Shloka 1.23.9

कामाश्रम-प्रवेशः / Entry into Kāma’s Hermitage at the Sarayū–Gaṅgā Confluence

Devanagari script

तयोस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रहस्य मुनिपुङ्गव:।अब्रवीच्छ्रूयतां राम यस्यायं पूर्व आश्रम:।। ।।

Transliteration

vṛttabāhur mahāvīryo vipulāsya tanur mahān | rākṣaso bhairavākāro nityaṃ trāsayate prajāḥ ||

Translation

With rounded arms, immense prowess, a broad face and a huge body—dreadful in appearance—that rākṣasa constantly terrifies the people.

Context

On having heard their words, the foremost of sages gently smiled and said, "O Rama! listen, who this hermitage belonged to in the past".

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Viśvāmitra
• Mārīca
• Rākṣasa
• Prajāḥ (people)

FAQs

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

A central dharma of kings and warriors is protection of the innocent; describing the terror underscores why righteous force may be necessary.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra characterizes the rākṣasa menace that oppresses local inhabitants, setting the need for Rāma’s intervention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s impending kṣātra virtue—courage and guardianship of prajā (subjects)—is the implied focus.