Shloka 1.26.11

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

एनां पश्य दुराधर्षां मायाबलसमन्विताम्।विनिवृत्तां करोम्यद्य हृतकर्णाग्रनासिकाम्।।1.26.11।।

Transliteration

enāṃ paśya durādharṣāṃ māyābalasamanvitām |

vinivṛttāṃ karomy adya hṛtakarṇāgranāsikām ||

Translation

See her—hard to assail, empowered by the strength of sorcery. Today I will make her turn back, cutting off her ears and the tip of her nose.

Context

See, she is unassailable because of the strength gained through black magic. I shall cut off her ears and the tip of her nose and make her turn away.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Tāṭakā

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as measured response: neutralizing harm and repelling aggression with controlled force, rather than immediate killing.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma states his tactical intent to disable and drive Tāṭakā away, noting her magical power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and restraint in warfare—Rāma aims to stop violence while limiting escalation.