Shloka 1.25.18

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

Devanagari script

राज्यभारनियुक्तानामेष धर्मस्सनातन:।अधर्म्यां जहि काकुत्स्थ धर्मोह्यस्या न विद्यते।।।।

Transliteration

rājya-bhāra-niyuktānām eṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ | adharmyāṃ jahi kākutstha dharmo hy asyā na vidyate ||

Translation

This is the eternal law for those entrusted with the burden of rule: O Kakutstha, slay this unrighteous one—indeed, in her there is no dharma.

Context

This is the eternal law binding those who are appointed to bear the burden of a kingdom. O Kakutstha kill her. She knows no dharma.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Tātakā

FAQs

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

The ‘sanātana’ duty of rulers is to remove forces that are fundamentally adharmic and harmful; justice is part of protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra issues a direct command to Rāma to kill Tātakā, presenting it as the timeless obligation of those bearing royal responsibility.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage aligned with justice—acting decisively against adharma.