Shloka 4.12.9

द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark (Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12)

Devanagari script

येन सप्तमहासाला गिरिर्भूमिश्च दारिताः।बाणेनैकेन काकुत्स्थ स्थाता ते को रणाग्रतः4.12.9।।

Transliteration

yena saptamahāsālā girir bhūmiś ca dāritāḥ | bāṇenaikena kākutstha sthātā te ko raṇāgrataḥ || 4.12.9 ||

Translation

O Rāma of the Kakutsthas—who could stand before you in the forefront of battle, you who with a single arrow pierced seven mighty śāla trees, and even the mountain and the earth?

Context

'O Rama! who can in a battle confront you, capable of splitting seven huge sala trees, the mountain and the earth with a single arrow?

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Kakutstha)
• Sugriva
• Śāla trees (saptamahāśālāḥ)
• Mountain
• Earth

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by pramāṇa (credible evidence): Sugrīva cites a concrete feat to ground trust, showing that righteous action should be based on truth-tested capability, not mere words.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva recalls Rāma’s earlier demonstration (piercing the śāla trees) to argue that no opponent—especially Vāli—should be feared.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s śaurya (valor) and satya-pratipatti (reliability proven by deed).