Shloka 1.17.36

सप्तदशः सर्गः — देवसंवादः तथा वानर-ऋक्ष-उत्पत्तिः (Divine Council and the Generation of Vanara Allies)

Devanagari script

शिलाप्रहरणाः सर्वे सर्वे पादपयोधिनः ।

नखदंष्ट्रायुधाः सर्वे सर्वे सर्वास्त्रकोविदाः ॥

Transliteration

śilāpraharaṇāḥ sarve sarve pādapayodhinaḥ |

nakhadaṃṣṭrāyudhāḥ sarve sarve sarvāstrakovidāḥ ||

Translation

All of them struck with rocks, and all fought wielding trees. All bore claws and sharp teeth as their natural weapons, yet all were skilled in every kind of missile and weapon.

Characters & Entities

• Vanaras

FAQs

What unique combat characteristics of the Vanaras are highlighted in this verse?

The verse highlights that the Vanaras utilized natural elements like rocks and trees as projectiles and bludgeons, and relied on their physical attributes like claws and teeth, while simultaneously possessing expertise in formal weaponry.

How does this description support the cause of Dharma in the Ramayana?

The creation of such powerful, versatile, and skilled warriors was a divine orchestration to assist Rama in the battle against Ravana, ensuring the restoration of Dharma through a force that combined primal strength with martial skill.