Shloka 6.80.43

इन्द्रजितो यज्ञानुष्ठानं अन्तर्धानं च (Indrajit’s Rite and the Invisible Assault)

Devanagari script

इत्येवमुक्त्वावचनंमहात्मारघुप्रवीरःप्लवगर्षभैर्वृतः ।वधायरौद्रस्यनृशंसकर्मणस्तदामहात्मात्वरितंनिरीक्षते ।।।।

Transliteration

ayudhyamānaṁ pracchannaṁ prāñjaliṁ śaraṇāgatam | palāyamānaṁ mattaṁ vā na hantuṁ tvam ihārhasi || 6.80.39 ||

Translation

Here you ought not to kill one who is not fighting—one who has withdrawn or hidden—nor one who comes with folded hands seeking refuge; nor one who is fleeing, or one who is heedless and unfit to fight.

Context

The great soul Sri Rama, having spoken in a meaningful manner, began to reflect on the means of killing Indrajith swiftly as the leaders of Vanaras surrounded him and awaited.৷৷ ইত্যার্ষেবাল্মীকীযেশ্রীমদ্রামাযণেআদিকাব্যেযুদ্ধকাণ্ডেঅশীতিতমস্সর্গঃ ৷৷This is the end of the eightieth sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Śrī Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• śaraṇāgata (the surrendered person)

FAQs

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

Yuddha-dharma: a righteous warrior must not kill the non-combatant or incapacitated—especially one who seeks refuge with folded hands. Mercy toward the surrendered and restraint toward the helpless are treated as marks of true righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

In the midst of the war, guidance is given on the limits of legitimate violence—who may and may not be slain according to the moral law of battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint (dama) and compassion (dayā) governed by principle—strength disciplined by dharma rather than anger.