Shloka 1.20.4

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

Devanagari script

इमे शूराश्च विक्रान्ता भृत्या मेऽस्त्रविशारदा:।योग्या रक्षोगणैर्योद्धुं न रामं नेतुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

aham eva dhanuṣpāṇir goptā samaramūrdhani | yāvat prāṇān dhariṣyāmi tāvad yotsye niśācaraiḥ ||

Translation

I myself, bow in hand, will be the protector at the height of battle; so long as I bear the breath of life, I will fight the night-roamers.

Context

These servants of mine are warriors, valiant, powerful and courageous, skilled in theuse of weapons and fit to engage multitude of rakshasas in battle. It is not proper to take Rama with you.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• dhanuṣ (bow)
• niśācara (rākṣasas)

FAQs

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

The dharma of duty before self: the king frames protection of sacred activity as a matter worth risking his own life, aligning kingship with sacrificial guardianship.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha intensifies his offer—he will personally guard and fight, instead of sending Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and willingness for self-sacrifice in service of protection.