Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 71, Shloka 49
अतिकायवधः
The Slaying of Atikāya
सौमित्रेश्चापनिर्घोषंश्रुत्वाप्रतिभयंतदा ।विसिष्मियेमहातेजाराक्षसेन्द्रात्मजोबली ।।।।
saumitreś cāpanirghoṣaṃ śrutvā pratibhayaṃ tadā | visiṣmiye mahātejā rākṣasendrātmajo balī ||
Then the mighty, radiant son of the lord of the Rākṣasas, hearing the thunderous twang of Saumitri’s bow, was himself struck with fear—and stood astonished.
Adorned with crown, and polished earrings, twanging his bow, proclaimed his name and roared sounding aloud.
FAQs
Dharma-aligned courage can steady others and unsettle arrogance; the verse shows how disciplined strength, used in rightful battle, can reverse fear onto the aggressor.
Atikāya, previously projecting dominance, hears Lakṣmaṇa’s bow-sound and momentarily becomes fearful and amazed.
Lakṣmaṇa’s resolute valor and readiness in righteous combat; his presence alone becomes a moral and psychological force.