Shloka 24
विराधवधः
The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha
तच्छ्रुत्वा राघवो वाक्यं लक्ष्मणं व्यादिदेश ह।कुञ्जरस्येव रौद्रस्य राक्षसस्यास्य लक्ष्मण।।।।वनेऽस्मिन् सुमहच्छ्वभ्रं खन्यतां रौदकर्मणः।इत्युक्त्वा लक्ष्मणं रामः प्रदरः खन्यतामिति।तस्थौ विराधमाक्रम्य कण्ठे पादेन वीर्यवान्।।।।
tac chrutvā rāghavo vākyaṃ lakṣmaṇaṃ vyādi-deśa ha |
kuñjarasyeva raudrasya rākṣasasyāsya lakṣmaṇa ||
ครั้นราฆวะได้ฟังถ้อยคำนั้นแล้ว จึงสั่งพระลักษมณะว่า “ลักษมณะเอ๋ย สำหรับยักษ์รากษสผู้น่ากลัวนี้—ดุจช้างคลุ้มคลั่ง—…”
When Rama heard those words, he said, O Lakshmana! dig for this elephant-like demon of dreadful acts, a big pit. Having said so the mighty Rama stood firmly stamping the neck of Viradha with his foot.
FAQs
Dharma in leadership: Rāma takes responsibility and gives clear, purposeful instruction to conclude the encounter properly rather than leaving disorder in the forest.
Immediately after Virādha’s request, Rāma begins directing Lakṣmaṇa on what to do next with the rākṣasa’s body.
Command and steadiness: Rāma’s calm control in a violent situation shows disciplined kingship and ethical resolve.