Shloka 4.35.16

तारोपदेशः — Tara’s Counsel to Lakshmana (Restraint, Time, and Mobilization)

Devanagari script

अहत्वा तांश्च दुर्धर्षान्राक्षसान्कामरूपिणः।न शक्यो रावणो हन्तुं येन सा मैथिली हृता।।।।

Transliteration

ahatvā tāṃś ca durdharṣān rākṣasān kāmarūpiṇaḥ | na śakyo rāvaṇo hantuṃ yena sā maithilī hṛtā ||

Translation

Without first slaying those unassailable, shape-shifting rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa cannot be killed—the very one by whom Maithilī was abducted.

Context

'It is not possible to kill Ravana who has stolen Sita without killing those unassailable demons who can assume any form at their will.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma-guided action requires removing enabling forces of wrongdoing: defeating the support structure of adharma is necessary before confronting its leader.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā explains the military reality that Rāvaṇa is protected by formidable rākṣasas; they must be overcome first.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic clarity—seeing the real obstacles rather than acting only from anger.