Shloka 1.26.22

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

वध्यतां तावदेवैषा पुरा सन्ध्या प्रवर्तते।।1.26.22।।रक्षांसि सन्ध्याकालेषु दुर्धर्षाणि भवन्ति वै।

Transliteration

vadhyatāṃ tāvad evaiṣā purā sandhyā pravartate | rakṣāṃsi sandhyākāleṣu durdharṣāṇi bhavanti vai ||1.26.22||

Translation

Let her be slain immediately before the twilight sets in, for demons become invincible during the dusk.

Context

Kill her, for dusk is fast approaching. During evening the strength of rakshasas tends to increase and they become unassailable".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• sandhyā (twilight)
• rakṣas/rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma includes acting at the proper time (kāla): delaying righteous action can empower wrongdoing and endanger others.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra presses urgency, noting twilight increases the danger posed by rākṣasas, so Tāṭakā must be finished promptly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and decisiveness—wisdom that combines moral duty with awareness of time and circumstance.