Shloka 1.74.9

परशुरामप्रादुर्भावः — The Appearance of Parasurama on the Return from Mithila

Devanagari script

गच्छन्तं तं नरव्याघ्रं सर्षिसङ्घं सराघवम्।।।।घोरा: स्म पक्षिणो वाचो व्याहरन्ति ततस्तत:।

Transliteration

gacchantaṃ taṃ naravyāghraṃ sarṣi-saṅghaṃ sa-rāghavam | ghorāḥ sma pakṣiṇo vāco vyāharanti tatas tataḥ || 1.74.9 ||

Translation

As that tiger among men proceeded, accompanied by the assembly of sages and the Rāghavas, birds in various places uttered harsh cries, ominous again and again.

Context

While this tiger among men Dasaratha, was returning with the hosts of sages and his sons, he observed here and there frightening birds making disagreeable sounds.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāghavas (Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata, Śatrughna)
• Ṛṣi-saṅgha (assembly of sages)
• Birds (pakṣiṇaḥ)
• Omens/portents (ghorā vācaḥ, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes attentiveness to signs and circumstances: leaders must proceed with awareness and discernment, recognizing that actions unfold within a larger moral-cosmic order.

What is the narrative situation?

During the journey onward, unsettling bird-cries appear as portents, foreshadowing the imminent encounter with Paraśurāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and alertness in leadership—Daśaratha’s party is depicted within an atmosphere that calls for caution and composure.