Shloka 1.26.16

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

ततो मायां समास्थाय शिलावर्षेण राघवौ।अवाकिरत्सुमहता ततश्चुक्रोध राघव:।।1.26.16।।

Transliteration

tato māyāṃ samāsthāya śilāvarṣeṇa rāghavau | avākirat sumahatā tataś cukrodha rāghavaḥ ||1.26.16||

Translation

Then, resorting to magic, she showered the two Rāghavas with a massive rain of stones; seeing this, Rāma blazed with anger.

Context

Then invoking the power of magic, she showered extensive rain of boulders on both the descendants of Raghu. Rama was enraged at this.

Characters & Entities

• Tāṭakā
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāghava
• māyā

FAQs

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

Dharma permits forceful response when innocent life and sacred duty are attacked; anger is portrayed as a controlled reaction to wrongdoing, not cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

Tāṭakā escalates the attack using magic and a stone-shower; Rāma reacts with righteous indignation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s readiness to defend—his krodha arises from protection of dharma, not personal hatred.