अतिकायवधः
The Slaying of Atikāya
ततःस्संज्ञामुपालभ्यचतुर्भिस्सायकोत्तमैः ।।।।निजघानहयान्सङ्ख्येसारथिं च महाबलः ।ध्वजस्योन्मथनंकृत्वाशरवर्षैररिन्दमः ।।।।
tataḥ sa saṁjñām upālabhya caturbhiḥ sāyakottamaiḥ | nijaghāna hayān saṅkhye sārathiṁ ca mahābalaḥ | dhvajasya unmathanaṁ kṛtvā śaravarṣair arindamaḥ ||
Then, regaining consciousness, the mighty subduer of foes struck down in battle the horses and the charioteer with four excellent arrows; and with a rain of shafts he also shattered the chariot’s banner-staff.
Then mighty subduer of enemies, regaining senses, getting up destroyed the chariot pole with rain of arrows. Taking up four best arrows he struck down the chariot, charioteer, and the horses.
Steadfast return to duty: after a setback, the righteous agent resumes action with clarity and effectiveness, prioritizing the removal of immediate threat.
Lakṣmaṇa recovers from fainting and disables the enemy’s mobility and command by striking horses, charioteer, and the banner-staff.
Courage and tactical presence of mind—swiftly targeting what turns the tide of combat.