Shloka 666
परश्चवधेन तीक्ष्णेन चिच्छेद च पुन: पुन: । इस प्रकार उस राक्षसका जो-जो अंग कटता, वह पुनः नये सिरेसे उत्पन्न हो जाता था। इरावान् भी अत्यन्त कुपित होकर उस महाबली राक्षसको बारंबार तीखे फरसेसे काटने लगा
sañjaya uvāca | paraśvadhena tīkṣṇena ciccheda ca punaḥ punaḥ |
Sañjaya said: “With a sharp battle-axe he kept cutting again and again. Yet, as each limb of that rākṣasa was severed, it sprang forth anew. Irāvān too, blazing with anger, repeatedly hewed at that mighty rākṣasa with his keen axe.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights steadfast effort in the face of seemingly invincible adversity: a warrior continues his duty without yielding, even when ordinary means appear ineffective. Ethically, it underscores kṣatriya-dharma—courage and persistence in protecting one’s side amid the chaos of war.
Sañjaya describes Irāvān repeatedly striking a powerful rākṣasa with a sharp axe. Each time a limb is cut off, it regenerates, intensifying the struggle and showcasing both the rākṣasa’s uncanny power and Irāvān’s relentless fury and valor.