Shloka 1.26.6

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा धनुर्मध्ये बध्वा मुष्टिमरिन्दम:।ज्याशब्दमकरोत्तीव्रं दिशश्शब्देन नादयन्।।1.26.6।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā dhanur madhye badhvā muṣṭim arindamaḥ |

jyāśabdam akarot tīvraṃ diśaḥ śabdena nādayan ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, the foe-destroyer clenched his fist upon the middle of the bow and made a fierce twang of the bowstring, making the directions resound with that sound.

Context

Rama, the destroyer of enemies having said so clinched the middle of the bow with his fist and filled the ten quarters with the resounding twanging of the bow-string.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• bow (dhanus)
• bowstring (jyā)
• directions/quarters (diś)

FAQs

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

Dharma is not passive; when protection is required, preparedness and decisive strength are part of righteous conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma physically prepares for the confrontation by sounding the bowstring, which signals his readiness and draws attention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Valor disciplined by purpose—Rāma’s strength is presented as controlled and mission-oriented.