Shloka 1.30.19

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

Devanagari script

पश्य लक्ष्मण शीतेषुं मानवं धर्मसंहितम्।मोहयित्वा नयत्येनं न च प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत।।।।

Transliteration

paśya lakṣmaṇa śīteṣuṃ mānavaṃ dharmasaṃhitam | mohayitvā nayaty enaṃ na ca prāṇair vyayujyat ||

Translation

See, Lakṣmaṇa—this cool-arrowed Mānava weapon, aligned with dharma: it stupefies him and carries him away, yet does not sever him from life.

Context

"O Lakshmana! behold this Manavaastra associated with righteousness employing a cool arrow, which carries him away by making him unconscious and yet not taking his life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Mānava-astra
• Mārīca (implied by enam)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as proportionate, restrained power—stopping wrongdoing while preserving life when killing is not required for protection.

What is the narrative situation?

After incapacitating Mārīca, Rāma explains to Lakṣmaṇa that the weapon is dharma-aligned because it disables without killing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Merciful discernment: Rāma values protection and correction over needless destruction.