Shloka 5.41.4

प्रमदावनविध्वंसः | The Devastation of the Pleasure-Garden (Ashoka Vatika)

Devanagari script

न चास्य कार्यस्य पराक्रमादृते विनिश्चयः कश्चिदिहोपपद्यते।हतप्रवीरा हि रणे हि राक्षसाः कथञ्चिदीयुर्यदिहाद्य मार्दवम्।।।।

Transliteration

na cāsya kāryasya parākramād ṛte viniścayaḥ kaścid ihopapadyate |

hatapravīrā hi raṇe hi rākṣasāḥ kathañcid īyur yad ihādya mārdavam ||

Translation

And for this undertaking, apart from heroic force, no resolution truly holds. If, in battle, a few of the rākṣasas’ champions are struck down, they may somehow soften today and become pliable.

Context

'Other than power, there is no way to accomplish the task of ascertaining their strength. If I slay a few strong ogres somehow they may soften a little and yield.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas (demons)

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes proportional force: when opponents are hardened in wrongdoing, decisive action that reduces their capacity for harm can restore moral order and open the possibility of restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān considers that to assess and influence Laṅkā’s hostile forces, he may need to engage them in combat and test their resistance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resolve (niścaya) and responsibility: Hanumān is willing to bear the burden of conflict to protect Rāma’s mission.