Shloka 6.45.22
इन्द्रजितः अन्तर्धानयुद्धं — Indrajit’s Concealed Assault and the Fall of Rama and Lakshmana
पपातप्रथमंरामोविद्धोमर्मसुमार्गणैः ।क्रोधादिन्द्रजितायेनपुराशक्रोविनिर्जितः ।।6.45.22।।
papāta prathamaṃ rāmo viddho marmasumārgaṇaiḥ |
krodhād indrajitā yena purā śakro vinirjitaḥ ||6.45.22||
Rāma fell first, pierced in his vital points by keen arrows loosed in fury by Indrajit—the same who in former days had utterly defeated Śakra (Indra).
Rama fell first pierced by arrows in his vital parts released in anger by Indrajith, by whom Indra was utterly defeated.
Dharma is not guaranteed immediate triumph; even the righteous can be struck down. The ethical call is to keep faith with truth and duty despite formidable opponents.
Indrajit, famed for having once defeated Indra, strikes Rāma’s vital points; Rāma collapses before Lakṣmaṇa.
Rāma’s steadfastness as a dharmic hero—his fall is physical, not moral; it sets the stage for loyal response and renewed effort.