Shloka 1.30.18

सिद्धाश्रम-यज्ञरक्षणम् — Protection of Viśvāmitra’s Sacrifice at Siddhāśrama

Devanagari script

विचेतनं विघूर्णन्तं शीतेषु बलताडितम्।निरस्तं दृश्य मारीचं रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

vicetanaṃ vighūrṇantaṃ śīteṣu balatāḍitam | nirastaṃ dṛśya mārīcaṃ rāmo lakṣmaṇam abravīt ||

Translation

Seeing Mārīca cast far away—senseless, reeling, and beaten down by the force of the cool-arrowed weapon—Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Having seen Maricha beaten by the power of that cool-arrowed astra, thrown to a distance, reeling and lying unconscious, Rama spoke to Lakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Mārīca
• cool-arrowed Mānava-astra (śīteṣu)

FAQs

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

Dharma is not mere destruction; it can be restraint—neutralizing harm while avoiding unnecessary killing when the aim is protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca is incapacitated and expelled; Rāma turns to Lakṣmaṇa to comment on the weapon’s nature and the next action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint and discernment: Rāma recognizes proportionate force as part of righteous conduct.