Shloka 1.30.20

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

Devanagari script

इमानपि वधिष्यामि निर्घृणान् दुष्टचारिण:।राक्षसान् पापकर्मस्थान् यज्ञघ्नान् रुधिराशनान्।।।।

Transliteration

imān api vadhiṣyāmi nirghṛṇān duṣṭacāriṇaḥ | rākṣasān pāpakarmasthān yajñaghnān rudhirāśanān ||

Translation

These rākṣasas too I shall slay—merciless, wicked in conduct, rooted in sinful deeds: destroyers of sacrifices, drinkers of blood.

Context

"I shall slay these merciless, wicked doors of sinful acts destroyers of sacrifices and blood rakshasas".

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasas
• yajña (sacrifice)

FAQs

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

Dharma sometimes mandates firm punishment against persistent, cruel violators of sacred and social order—especially those who attack yajña, a pillar of communal welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

After demonstrating the Mānava weapon’s restraint on Mārīca, Rāma declares his readiness to kill the remaining rākṣasas who continue to destroy the sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Righteous severity: Rāma’s resolve shows moral courage to confront entrenched evil for the sake of protecting dharma.