Shloka 5.47.24

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

Devanagari script

तमात्तबाणासनमाहवोन्मुखं खमास्तृणन्तं विशिखैश्शरोत्तमैः।अवैक्षताक्षं बहुमानचक्षुषा जगाम चिन्तां च स मारुतात्मजः।।5.47.24।।

Transliteration

tam ātta-bāṇāsanam āhava-unmukhaṃ kham āstṛṇantaṃ viśikhaiḥ śarottamaiḥ | avaikṣatākṣaṃ bahu-māna-cakṣuṣā jagāma cintāṃ ca sa mārutātmajaḥ ||5.47.24||

Translation

Seeing Akṣa—bow and arrows in hand, facing the battle and filling the sky with superb shafts—Hanumān, the son of the Wind, looked on with admiration; yet reflection arose in him as to what should be done next.

Context

Admiring the young Aksha's appearance, his skill in holding the quiver and spreading the excellent arrows with missiles and facing the war, Hanuman became thoughtful (as to how to kill him).

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān (Mārutātmaja)
• Akṣa (Akṣakumāra)
• quiver (bāṇāsana)
• sky (kha)
• arrows (śara)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes discernment: Hanumān balances admiration for a worthy opponent with thoughtful responsibility about the necessary course of action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān assesses Akṣa’s battle-readiness and skill, and begins considering strategy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Judiciousness—Hanumān’s capacity to evaluate, respect, and then decide rightly rather than act impulsively.