Shloka 5.47.31
अक्षवधः (The Slaying of Prince Aksha) — Sundarakāṇḍa Sarga 47
स तस्य तानष्टहयान्महाजवान् समाहितान्भारसहान्विवर्तने।जघान वीरः पथि वायुसेविते तलप्रहारैः पवनात्मजः कपिः।।5.47.31।।
sa tasya tān aṣṭahayān mahājavān samāhitān bhārasahān vivartane |
jaghāna vīraḥ pathi vāyusevite talaprahāraiḥ pavanātmajaḥ kapiḥ ||5.47.31||
On the wind-swept course of the sky, the brave son of the Wind struck down with blows of his palm those eight horses—swift, steady, and able to bear heavy strain even in turning.
Hanuman the brave son of the Wind-god hit with his palm and killed the eight horses (yoked to Aksha's chariot) which had great speed were stable and had the capacity to bear heavy loads while turning round in the sky. (The battle was fought in the air since Hanuman leaped into the air and the demon hero had to resist him there).
In a dharmic battle narrative, effectiveness and decisiveness are highlighted—neutralizing the opponent’s mobility and advantage to prevent further harm.
Hanumān attacks Akṣa’s chariot team, killing the eight horses mid-combat in the aerial engagement.
Overwhelming strength directed with precision—Hanumān’s capacity to act decisively under pressure.