Shloka 12
ताटकावधः
The Slaying of Tāṭakā
न ह्येनामुत्सहे हन्तुं स्त्रीस्वभावेन रक्षिताम्।वीर्यं चास्यां गतिं चापि हनिष्यामीति मे मति:।।1.26.12।।
na hy enām utsahe hantuṃ strīsvabhāvena rakṣitām |
vīryaṃ cāsyāṃ gatiṃ cāpi haniṣyāmīti me matiḥ ||
मैं इसे मारने का साहस नहीं करता, क्योंकि स्त्री होने के कारण यह मानो संरक्षित है। मेरी बुद्धि यही है कि मैं इसकी शक्ति और इसकी गति—दोनों का नाश कर दूँ।
By virtue of being a woman, she is protected. I am not inclined to slay her but take away her prowess and power of motion".
FAQs
Dharma is presented as restraint and protection of social/moral boundaries: even in conflict, one seeks the least-violent means consistent with safety.
Rāma explains why he prefers disabling Tāṭakā rather than killing her, emphasizing her status as a woman.
Compassionate restraint (saṃyama) joined with responsibility—Rāma aims to prevent harm without needless killing.