Shloka 3.26.18
दूषणवधः (The Slaying of Dūṣaṇa and the Rout of Khara’s Host)
महाकपालो विपुलं शूलमुद्यम्य राक्षसः।।।।स्थूलाक्षः पट्टिसं गृह्य प्रमाथी च परश्वधम्।
mahākapālo vipulaṃ śūlam udyamya rākṣasaḥ |
sthūlākṣaḥ paṭṭisaṃ gṛhya pramāthī ca paraśvadham ||
The rākṣasa Mahākapāla raised a massive spear; Sthūlākṣa took up a sharp paṭṭisa; and Pramāthī seized a battle-axe.
Mahakapala had a huge spear, Sthulaksha, a sharp-edged spear and Pramathi, a battle-axe.
Weapons amplify intent: the verse highlights preparation for violence, implicitly contrasting adharma’s reliance on brute force with dharma’s disciplined protection.
The three commanders arm themselves distinctly as they prepare to strike Rāma.
Rāma’s readiness is implied—he faces varied threats without retreat from duty.