Shloka 6.18.22

शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana

Devanagari script

पिशाचानदानवान् यक्ष I नपृथिव्यांचैवराक्षसान् ।अङ्गुल्यग्रेणतान् हन्यामिच्छन् हरिगणेश्वर ।।।।

Transliteration

piśācān dānavān yakṣān pṛthivyāṃ caiva rākṣasān | aṅgulyagreṇa tān hanyām icchan harigaṇeśvara || 6.18.22 ||

Translation

O lord of the Vānara hosts, if I so wished, I could destroy with the tip of a finger the piśācas, dānavas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas that roam this earth.

Context

"O leader of the Vanara troop If I so desire, I can kill with the tip of my big finger the devils, Danavas, Yakshas and the Rakshasas on this earth."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• piśāca
• dānava
• yakṣa
• rākṣasa
• earth (pṛthivī)

FAQs

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

Might is not the measure of dharma: Rāma highlights his power to show that his later choice (to protect/refuse cruelty) is principled, not compelled.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reassures Sugrīva that hostile beings are not a true threat to him, establishing moral freedom in decision-making.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint—possessing immense strength yet choosing to act by righteousness rather than impulse.