Shloka 4
विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः
The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā
मुहूर्तं भव सौमित्रे सीतायाः प्रत्यनन्तरः।इमानस्या वधिष्यामि पदवीमागतानिह।।।।
muhūrtaṃ bhava saumitre sītāyāḥ pratyanantaraḥ |
imān asyā vadhiṣyāmi padavīm āgatān iha ||
“സൗമിത്രേ, ഒരു നിമിഷം സീതയുടെ അടുത്തുതന്നെ നില്ക്കുക; അവളുടെ പാത പിന്തുടർന്ന് ഇവിടെ വന്നിരിക്കുന്ന ഇവരെ ഞാൻ വധിക്കും।”
Seeing the demons fallen on the ground, the demoness wild with anger and fear roared.
FAQs
Protecting the vulnerable is primary dharma: Rāma assigns Lakṣmaṇa the immediate duty of guarding Sītā, while he confronts the threat—an ordered, non-chaotic response to violence.
Facing an imminent attack, Rāma divides responsibilities: Lakṣmaṇa must stay with Sītā; Rāma will engage the assailants.
Rāma’s strategic responsibility and restraint; Lakṣmaṇa’s obedience and protective vigilance.