द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark
Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12
जीवितान्तकरं घोरं सादृश्यात्तु विशङ्कितः।मूलघातो न नौ स्याद्धि द्वयोरपि कृतो मया4.12.33।।
jīvitānta-karaṁ ghoraṁ sādṛśyāt tu viśaṅkitaḥ |
mūla-ghāto na nau syād dhi dvayor api kṛto mayā || 4.12.33 ||
त्या सादृश्यामुळे मी साशंक झालो—जीवनान्त करणारा भयंकर प्रहार करून मी आपल्या कार्याच्या मुळावरच घाव घालू नये; तुमा दोघांपैकी कोणालाही इजा करून दोघांचेही हित बिघडू नये।
'I was doubtful because of your similar appearance. I thought that I should not strike at the very root of the interests of both of us. Therefore, I did not release the terrific and deadly arrow.
Dharma includes foresight: an act meant to help must not become a ‘root-strike’ that destroys the shared righteous objective through error.
Rāma explains his fear that a mistaken shot could kill Sugrīva and thereby sabotage their alliance and purpose.
Strategic wisdom—protecting the long-term good over impulsive action.