Shloka 3.23.33

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

श्येनगामी पृथुग्रीवो यज्ञशत्रुर्विहङ्गमः।दुर्जयः करवीराक्षः परुषः कालकार्मुकः।।3.23.32।।मेघमाली महामाली सर्वास्यो रुधिराशनः।द्वादशैते महावीर्याः प्रतस्थुरभितः खरम्।।3.23.33।।

Transliteration

mahā-kapālis sthūlākṣaḥ pramāthī triśirās tathā |

catvāra ete senānyo dūṣaṇaṃ pṛṣṭhato yayuḥ ||

Translation

And behind Dūṣaṇa went four commanders—Mahākapāli, Sthūlākṣa, Pramāthī, and Triśirā—following in his rear.

Context

Surrounded by twelve valiant warriors like Syenagami, Pruthugreeva, Yagnasatru, Vihangama, Durjaya, Karaviraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmuka, Meghmali, Mahamali, Sarpasya and Rudhirasana, Khara proceeded.

Characters & Entities

• दूषण (Dūṣaṇa)
• महाकपाली (Mahākapāli)
• स्थूलाक्ष (Sthūlākṣa)
• प्रमाथी (Pramāthī)
• त्रिशिरा (Triśirā)

FAQs

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

The verse supports the broader dharmic frame of accountability: organized violence is shown as a coordinated force that will meet righteous resistance and consequence.

What is the narrative situation?

Dūṣaṇa advances with four rākṣasa commanders positioned behind him as part of the battle formation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s implied virtue is steadfast protection (rakṣaṇa-dharma): he confronts not isolated foes but structured aggression.