Shloka 1.20.23

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

Devanagari script

स हि वीर्यवतां वीर्यमादत्ते युधि राक्षस:।तेन चाहं न शक्तोऽस्मि संयोद्धुं तस्य वा बलै:।।।।सबलो वा मुनिश्रेष्ठ सहितो वा ममात्मजै:।

Transliteration

sa hi vīryavatāṁ vīryam ādatte yudhi rākṣasaḥ | tena cāhaṁ na śakto 'smi saṁyoddhuṁ tasya vā balaiḥ | sabalo vā muniśreṣṭha sahito vā mamātmajaiḥ |

Translation

For that rākṣasa, in battle, drains away the prowess of the valiant. Therefore I am not capable of fighting him or his forces—whether I go with an army, O best of sages, or even together with my sons.

Context

That rakshasa pulls out warriors' prowess in the battle. O foremost of ascetics! Either with forces or with my sons it is not possible for me to engage him or his forces in battle.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāvaṇa (as the rākṣasa in context)
• Daśaratha’s sons (Rāma and brothers, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes recognizing when ordinary force is inadequate and seeking the right means (often spiritual or divinely guided) rather than sacrificing people in unwinnable conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha stresses the extraordinary nature of the enemy, claiming even armies and princes together would be ineffective.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility in leadership—he refuses to risk mass loss for pride.