Shloka 1.26.12

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

न ह्येनामुत्सहे हन्तुं स्त्रीस्वभावेन रक्षिताम्।वीर्यं चास्यां गतिं चापि हनिष्यामीति मे मति:।।1.26.12।।

Transliteration

na hy enām utsahe hantuṃ strīsvabhāvena rakṣitām |

vīryaṃ cāsyāṃ gatiṃ cāpi haniṣyāmīti me matiḥ ||

Translation

For I do not wish to slay her—she is shielded by the very condition of being a woman. My judgment is this: I shall destroy her prowess and her power of movement.

Context

By virtue of being a woman, she is protected. I am not inclined to slay her but take away her prowess and power of motion".

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Tāṭakā

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as restraint and protection of social/moral boundaries: even in conflict, one seeks the least-violent means consistent with safety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains why he prefers disabling Tāṭakā rather than killing her, emphasizing her status as a woman.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate restraint (saṃyama) joined with responsibility—Rāma aims to prevent harm without needless killing.