Shloka 8
दूषणवधः
The Slaying of Dūṣaṇa and the Rout of Khara’s Host
हत्वा चाश्वान्शरैस्तीक्ष्णैरर्धचन्द्रेण सारथेः।।।।शिरो जहार तद्रक्षस्त्रिभिर्विव्याध वक्षसि।
hatvā cāśvān śarais tīkṣṇair ardhacandreṇa sārathēḥ | śiro jahāra tad rakṣas tribhir vivyādha vakṣasi ||
Après avoir tué les chevaux de flèches acérées, il trancha la tête du cocher d’un trait en forme de croissant; puis il perça la poitrine de ce rākṣasa (Dūṣaṇa) de trois flèches.
After killing the horses with sharp arrows Rama severed the charioteer's head with an arrow of the shape of the crescent moon and pierced Dusana's chest with a set of three arrows.
FAQs
Dharma in warfare is portrayed as decisive elimination of imminent threat. The narrative emphasizes that violence, when unavoidable, must be effective and directed toward ending harm.
Rāma completes the disabling of Dūṣaṇa’s chariot force—horses and charioteer—then wounds Dūṣaṇa directly with three arrows.
Rāma’s resolve and precision (lakṣya-vedha): swift, accurate actions under combat pressure.