Shloka 1.20.6

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

Devanagari script

निर्विघ्ना व्रतचर्या सा भविष्यति सुरक्षिता।अहं तत्रागमिष्यामि न रामं नेतुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

bālo hy akṛtavidyaś ca na ca vetti balābalam | na cāstrabalasaṁyukto na ca yuddhaviśāradaḥ || na cāsau rakṣasāṁ yogyaḥ kūṭayuddhā hi te dhruvam ||

Translation

He is but a child, untrained in the knowledge of war, and he does not discern strength from weakness. He is not yet endowed with the power of weapons nor skilled in battle; and he is not fit to face the rākṣasas, for they are surely deceitful in combat.

Context

.I shall go there, protect the sacrifice and see that it is conducted without obstacles. Itis not proper to take Rama with you.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• rakṣasas

FAQs

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

The dharma of non-negligence in guardianship: one should not expose the unprepared to disproportionate danger, especially against adversaries who violate fair conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha argues that Rāma is too young and insufficiently trained, while the rākṣasas fight with deception—therefore Rāma should not be taken.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective discernment—Daśaratha evaluates capability and the enemy’s unethical methods before consenting to risk.