Shloka 1.20.15

राज्ञः शङ्का–प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20

Devanagari script

सर्वं मे शंस भगवन्कथं तेषां मया रणे।।1.20.14।।स्थातव्यं दुष्टभावानां वीर्योत्सिक्ता हि राक्षसा:।4तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रोऽभ्यभाषत।।1.20.15।।

Transliteration

sarvaṃ me śaṃsa bhagavan kathaṃ teṣāṃ mayā raṇe ||1.20.14||

sthātavyaṃ duṣṭa-bhāvānāṃ vīryotsiktā hi rākṣasāḥ |

tasya tad-vacanaṃ śrutvā viśvāmitro 'bhyabhāṣata ||1.20.15||

Translation

O venerable one, explain everything to me—how am I to face them in battle? Those rākṣasas are wicked by nature and swollen with pride in their strength. Hearing Daśaratha’s words, Viśvāmitra spoke in reply.

Context

O venerable one, how to fight those wickednatured ones in the battle and stay aginst them? For rakshasas are proud of their prowess". Having heard the words of Dasaratha, Viswamitra said:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• rākṣasas

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

A dharmic ruler seeks truthful instruction from a sage when confronting adharma; moral clarity is pursued through inquiry and guidance.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse reiterates Daśaratha’s request for guidance and marks the transition to Viśvāmitra’s reply; the repetition reflects the recension’s overlapping numbering.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s humility and responsibility in asking how best to resist wicked, prideful aggressors.