Shloka 1.26.17

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

शिलावर्षं महत्तस्याश्शरवर्षेण राघव:।प्रतिहत्योपधावन्त्या: करौ चिच्छेद पत्रिभि: ।।1.26.17।।

Transliteration

śilāvarṣaṃ mahattasyāḥ śaravarṣeṇa rāghavaḥ | pratihatya upadhāvantyāḥ karau ciccheda patribhiḥ ||1.26.17||

Translation

Rāghava repelled her mighty rain of stones with a rain of arrows; and as she rushed toward him, he severed both her hands with sharp shafts.

Context

Rama retaliated that mighty rain of rocks with a volley of arrows. While she was advancing towards him, he cut off her hands.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Tāṭakā
• Rāghava

FAQs

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

Dharma in combat includes neutralizing a violent aggressor to prevent further harm; the response is directed toward stopping the threat.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma counters Tāṭakā’s stone attack with arrows and disables her as she charges.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s martial competence and protective intent—skill used in service of righteousness.