Shloka 6.111.20

रावणवधः — The Slaying of Ravana (Brahmāstra Discharge)

Devanagari script

स शरोरावणंहत्वारुधिरार्द्रीकृतच्छविः ।कृतकर्मानिभृतवत्स्वतूणींपुनराविशत् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa śaro rāvaṇaṁ hatvā rudhirārdrī-kṛta-cchaviḥ |

kṛta-karmā nibhṛtavat sva-tūṇīṁ punar āviśat ||

Translation

That arrow, having slain Rāvaṇa and darkened its own sheen with blood, its task accomplished, quietly returned once more into its own quiver.

Context

That arrow of Rama, on killing Ravana, soaked in blood, having accomplished the task quietly re-entered its quiver.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Arrow (śara)
• Quiver (tūṇī)

FAQs

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

Dharma is restraint after victory: once the rightful objective is achieved, force withdraws. The arrow’s calm return symbolizes bounded, non-excessive violence in a just cause.

What is the narrative situation?

After killing Rāvaṇa, the arrow completes its trajectory and returns to the quiver, marking the end of the decisive act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Measured completion (maryādā): action that ends exactly where duty ends—no cruelty beyond necessity.