Shloka 1.26.23

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तस्तु तदा यक्षी अश्मवृष्ट्याभिवर्षतीम्।।1.26.23।।दर्शयन् शब्दवेधित्वं तां रुरोध स सायकै:।

Transliteration

ity uktas tu tadā yakṣī aśmavṛṣṭyābhivarṣatīm | darśayan śabdavedhitvaṃ tāṃ rurodha sa sāyakaiḥ ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Rama displayed his skill of aiming by sound alone, and with his arrows, he obstructed the Yakshi as she rained down a shower of stones.

Context

Addressed thus (by Viswamitra), Rama attacked her exhibiting his skill in targetting her by the sound and prevented with arrows the yakshini from showering stones.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• yakṣī (Tāṭakā in context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is protective righteousness: Rāma uses disciplined skill to prevent harm (the stone-shower) rather than acting in uncontrolled anger.

What is the narrative situation?

During the confrontation, the yakṣī attacks by hurling stones; Rāma counters by locating and restraining her through sound-based marksmanship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Controlled valor and trained competence—martial skill guided by purpose (protection), not mere aggression.