Shloka 5.47.19

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

Devanagari script

ततः कपिस्तं रणचण्डविक्रमं विवृद्धतेजोबलवीर्यसंयुतम्।कुमारमक्षं प्रसमीक्ष्य संयुगे ननाद हर्षाद् घनतुल्यविक्रमम्।।5.47.19।।

Transliteration

tatassa bāṇāsana-citra-kārmukaḥ śara-pravarṣo yudhi rākṣasāmbudaḥ | śarān mumocāśu harīśvarācale valāhako vṛṣṭim ivācalottame ||5.47.18||

Translation

Then that demon-prince—equipped with quiver and a wondrous bow—poured down a swift rain of arrows in battle upon the mountain-like lord of monkeys, just as a cloud showers rain upon a lofty mountain.

Context

Then Hanuman saw prince Aksha, endowed with excessive splendour, power andenergy advancing in a fierce manner like a cloud in the battle. Then Hanuman happy (to see the heroic prince) roared like a clap of thunder.

Characters & Entities

• Akṣa (Akṣakumāra)
• Hanumān (harīśvara)
• rākṣasa
• arrows (śara)
• bow (kārmuka)
• quiver (bāṇāsana)

FAQs

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

The verse depicts kṣatra-dharma as disciplined martial engagement—Akṣa fights with skill and intensity. It also implicitly raises the Ramayana’s ethical lens: power in battle must be directed toward rightful ends, not merely displayed.

What is the narrative situation?

Akṣa begins the direct combat by unleashing a heavy volley of arrows at Hanumān.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial prowess and determination—Akṣa’s capacity to sustain an overwhelming attack, likened to a rain-cloud.