Shloka 15
कबन्धवधः
The Severing of Kabandha’s Arms and the Opening of Dialogue
त्वं तु को वा किमर्थं वा कबन्धसदृशो वने।आस्येनोरसि दीप्तेन भग्नजङ्घो विचेष्टसे।।।।
tvaṃ tu ko vā kimarthaṃ vā kabandhasadṛśo vane | āsyenorasi dīptena bhagnajaṅgho viceṣṭase || 3.70.15 ||
Ngunit sino ka, at sa anong dahilan ka gumagala sa gubat na anyong tila punò? Ang nagniningning mong bibig ay nasa iyong dibdib, at ang iyong mga binti’y nabali at hinihila mo.
Who are you with only the trunk of the body, and a glittering mouth in the chest with your calf muscles broken rolling down in the forest?
FAQs
Dharma includes discernment: one should ask and understand the nature and motive of a being encountered, especially after violence has ceased.
After identifying themselves and their purpose, Lakṣmaṇa questions Kabandha’s identity and the cause of his monstrous condition.
Prudence and rational inquiry—Lakṣmaṇa seeks explanation rather than acting only from fear or anger.