Shloka 1.26.18

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

ततश्छिन्नभुजां श्रान्तामभ्याशे परिगर्जतीम्।सौमित्रिरकरोत्क्रोधाद्धृतकर्णाग्रनासिकाम्।।1.26.18।।

Transliteration

tataś chinnabhujāṃ śrāntām abhyāśe parigarjatīm | saumitrir akarot krodhād dhṛtakarṇāgranāsikām ||1.26.18||

Translation

Then, as she stood nearby roaring, exhausted with her arms severed, Saumitri in anger sliced off the tips of her ears and nose.

Context

When she was tired and roaring in a nearby place with her hands chopped off, Lakshmana cut off her ears and the tip of her nose in indignation.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Saumitrī
• Tāṭakā

FAQs

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

The verse raises the theme of force used to end a continuing threat; dharma aims at protection, while anger must be governed so that action remains duty-centered.

What is the narrative situation?

After being disabled by Rāma, Tāṭakā remains nearby roaring; Lakṣmaṇa further wounds her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty and readiness to defend; the text also implicitly warns about the proximity of krodha to violence.