Shloka 1.25.16

ताटकावृत्तान्तः — The Account of Tāṭakā and the Royal Duty to Protect

Devanagari script

न हि ते स्त्रीवधकृते घृणा कार्या नरोत्तम।चातुर्वण्यहितार्थाय कर्तव्यं राजसूनुना।।।।

Transliteration

na hi te strī-vadha-kṛte ghṛṇā kāryā narottama | cāturvarṇya-hitārthāya kartavyaṃ rājasūnunā ||

Translation

O best of men, you need not shrink back in compassion merely because the act is the slaying of a woman; a prince must do what is required for the welfare of the four social orders.

Context

O best among men you need not hate killing a woman. You are a prince. You should serve the interest of the four orders of the society.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• cāturvarṇya (the four varṇas / social orders)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: a ruler (or prince) must act for the protection and welfare of society, even when the required action is personally painful or socially sensitive.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra instructs Rāma to kill Tātakā and counters Rāma’s hesitation about committing violence against a woman.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty (kartavya-niṣṭhā) and prioritizing public welfare over personal reluctance.