Shloka 5.47.18

अक्षवधः (The Slaying of Prince Aksha) — Sundarakāṇḍa Sarga 47

Devanagari script

ततस्स बाणासनचित्रकार्मुक श्शरप्रवर्षो युधि राक्षसाम्बुदः।शरान्मुमोचाशु हरीश्वराचले वलाहको वृष्टिमिवाचलोत्तमे।।5.47.18।।

Transliteration

sa tasya dṛṣṭy-arpaṇa-sampracoditaḥ pratāpavān kāñcana-citra-kārmukaḥ | samutpapāta atha sadasy udīrito dvijāti-mukhyair haviṣeva pāvakaḥ ||5.47.2||

Translation

Urged on by Rāvaṇa’s mere glance, the glorious Akṣa—bearing a splendid bow inlaid with gold—sprang up from the royal assembly, like fire flaring up when eminent Brāhmaṇas pour oblations (havis) into the sacred flame.

Context

Aksha, with his wonderful quiver and bow, began to rain rapidly a shower of arrows in the battle, on the mountain-like monkey-lord just as a cloud rains on a mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Akṣa (Akṣakumāra)
• rājasabhā (royal assembly)
• dvijātipramukha (foremost Brāhmaṇas)
• pāvaka (sacred fire)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights obedience to royal command and readiness for one’s duty: a prince responds instantly to the king’s signal, reflecting kṣatra-dharma (the warrior’s responsibility to act decisively in defense of the realm).

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s court, Akṣa is prompted by Rāvaṇa’s glance to rise from the assembly and go forth to confront Hanumān.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Promptness and martial readiness—Akṣa’s immediate, energetic response to authority, likened to fire intensifying when properly fed.