Shloka 13
विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः
The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā
का हि ते शक्तिरेकस्य बहूनां रणमूर्धनी।अस्माकमग्रतः स्थातुं किं पुनर्योद्दुमाहवे।।।।
kā hi te śaktir ekasya bahūnāṃ raṇamūrdhani | asmākam agrataḥ sthātuṃ kiṃ punar yoddhum āhave ||
Wahai seorang diri! Kekuatan apa yang kau miliki untuk berdiri di puncak medan laga melawan banyak orang? Bagaimana mungkin engkau berdiri di hadapan kami—apalagi bertempur dalam perang?
How can you face us alone? We outnumber you? Leave alone fighting, you cannot even stand in front of us.
FAQs
The verse contrasts mere numerical strength with true dharmic strength (inner resolve, righteousness, and skill); it cautions against judging justice by majority or force.
The demons mock Rama for standing alone, claiming he cannot face their numbers.
Rama’s fearlessness and steadfastness are set up implicitly, as he stands alone without yielding.