Shloka 1.25.21
ताटकावृत्तान्तः — The Account of Tāṭakā and the Royal Duty to Protect
एतैश्चान्यैश्च बहुभी राजपुत्र महात्मभि:।अधर्मसहिता नार्यो हता: पुरुषसत्तमै:।।।।
alpavīryā yadā yakṣāḥ śrūyante muni-puṅgava | kathaṃ nāga-sahasrasya dhārayaty abalā balam ||
O best of sages, when Yakṣas are heard of as having little prowess, how can a woman—deemed physically weaker—possess the strength of a thousand elephants?
O Prince by these magnanimous persons and by great men several unrighteous women were killed for the common good".इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये बालकाण्डे पञ्चविंशस्सर्ग:।।Thus ends the twentyfifth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
Dharma begins with truthful inquiry and clarity: Rāma seeks accurate understanding before acting, reflecting responsible decision-making.
Rāma questions Viśvāmitra about Tātakā’s extraordinary power, given the general reputation of Yakṣas and the assumption of a woman’s lesser physical strength.
Intellectual honesty and prudent caution—asking before judging or acting.