Shloka 2

इन्द्रजित्–लक्ष्मणयोर् घोरः शरयुद्धः

Indrajit and Lakshmana’s Fierce Exchange of Arrows

Devanagari script

तस्यज्यातलनिर्घोषं स श्रुत्वाराक्षसाधिपः ।विवर्णवदनोभूत्वालक्ष्मणंसमुदैक्षत ।।6.89.2।।

Transliteration

tasya jyātalanirghoṣaṃ sa śrutvā rākṣasādhipaḥ |

vivarṇavadano bhūtvā lakṣmaṇaṃ samudaikṣata ||6.89.2||

Translation

Als der Herr der Rākṣasas den scharfen Klang von Lakṣmaṇas Bogensehne vernahm, erbleichte sein Antlitz, und er richtete den Blick fest auf Lakṣmaṇa.

Word by Word

tasyaof him (his)

jyā-tala-nirghoṣamthe twang/clang of the bowstring

saḥhe

śrutvāhaving heard

rākṣasa-adhipaḥlord of the rākṣasas

vivarṇa-vadanaḥpale-faced

bhūtvāhaving become

lakṣmaṇamLakṣmaṇa

samudaikṣatalooked at

Context

"Knowing my valour, you have come. Have you lost memory or do you desire to go to Yama's abode? Tell me."

Characters & Entities

Lakṣmaṇa

Indrajit (rākṣasādhipa)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here aligns with kṣatriya-dharma: a righteous warrior’s preparedness and resolve can morally deter adharma-driven aggression. The verse highlights how disciplined strength can check unrighteous power.

What is the narrative situation?

On the battlefield, Indrajit hears Lakṣmaṇa’s bowstring and is shaken—his face turns pale—then he looks directly at Lakṣmaṇa, recognizing the threat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s steadiness and martial readiness (dhairya and vīrya), conveyed indirectly through the formidable sound of his bow.