Shloka 6.21.18

सागरप्रतीक्षा-क्रोधप्रादुर्भावः (Rama’s Vigil at the Ocean and the Rise of Wrath)

Devanagari script

महाभोगानिमत्स्यानांकरिणांचकराह ।भोगिनांपश्यनागानांमयाछिन्नानिलक्ष्मण ।।6.21.18।।

Transliteration

mahābhogāni matsyānāṃ kariṇāṃ ca karāha | bhogināṃ paśya nāgānāṃ mayā chinnāni lakṣmaṇa ||6.21.18||

Translation

“Lakṣmaṇa, see: great fishes, sea-elephants, and mighty serpents with huge coils—cut apart by me—are strewn here.”

Context

"Lakshmana! See here the coils of serpents, huge snakes, fish and large sea elephants cut into pieces by me."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• matsya (fish)
• nāga/bhोगिन् (serpents)
• kari (sea-elephants)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores consequential ethics in governance: when dialogue fails, power may be used to compel attention—though the collateral suffering also highlights the gravity of such decisions.

What is the narrative situation?

The effects of Rāma’s arrow-assault on the sea become visible as sea-creatures are struck down.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unyielding resolve—Rāma signals he will not abandon the mission to Laṅkā.