Shloka 21
सीताहरणोत्तरं लङ्काप्रवेशः
Sita’s Abduction and Ravana’s Entry into Lanka
तत्रोष्यतां जनस्थाने शून्ये निहतराक्षसे।पौरुषं बलमाश्रित्य त्रासमुत्सृज्य दूरतः।।।।
tatroṣyatāṁ janasthāne śūnye nihatarākṣase | pauruṣaṁ balam āśritya trāsam utsṛjya dūrataḥ ||
तत्र जनस्थाने शून्ये निहतराक्षसे उष्यताम्। पौरुषं बलमाश्रित्य त्रासं दूरत उत्सृज्य॥
Go and there in the desolate Janasthana where all demons had been killed, leaving all your apprehensions and relying on your strength and vigour.
FAQs
The text highlights how courage can be ethically ambiguous: fearlessness is praised, but here it is directed toward unjust aggression. Ramayana ethics distinguishes true dharmic courage (protecting the innocent) from boldness used for harm.
Rāvaṇa instructs his forces to occupy Janasthāna despite its devastation and to operate confidently there.
Valor and fearlessness—though framed within an unrighteous campaign, showing how qualities can be turned toward adharma.