Shloka 44

शक्तिप्रहारः

Ravana’s Shakti Javelin and Lakshmana’s Wounding

Devanagari script

तस्यनिष्कर्षतःशक्तिंरावणेनबलीयसा ।।।।शराःसर्वेषुगात्रेषुपातितामर्मभेदिनः ।

Transliteration

tasya niṣkarṣataḥ śaktiṃ rāvaṇena balīyasā |

śarāḥ sarveṣu gātreṣu pātitā marma-bhedinaḥ ||

Translation

അവൻ ആ ശക്തി വലിച്ചെടുക്കുമ്പോൾ, ബലവാനായ രാവണൻ മർമ്മഭേദിയായ അമ്പുകൾ രാമന്റെ എല്ലാ അവയവങ്ങളിലും പതിപ്പിച്ചു.

Word by Word

तस्यof him

निष्कर्षतःwhile pulling out / in the act of extracting

शक्तिम्javelin, spear

रावणेनby Ravana

बलीयसाmightier, very powerful

शराःarrows

सर्वेषुin all

गात्रेषुin the limbs

पातिताःhaving been made to fall/shot; struck

मर्मभेदिनःpiercing vital spots

Context

It pierced through Lakshmana's body and entered into the earth. Mighty Rama held the terrific javelin with both hands bent it and removed in the course of struggle.

Characters & Entities

Rāma

Rāvaṇa

Śakti (weapon)

Arrows (śara)

Marma (vital points)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores steadfastness: dharma often requires enduring harm while fulfilling a higher obligation—here, rescuing Lakṣmaṇa and continuing the righteous campaign.

What is the narrative situation?

During Rāma’s attempt to remove the śakti, Rāvaṇa exploits the moment and showers him with marma-piercing arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s titikṣā (forbearance) and unwavering focus on duty are emphasized by his persistence despite injury.