Shloka 5.47.33
अक्षवधः (The Slaying of Prince Aksha) — Sundarakāṇḍa Sarga 47
स तं परित्यज्य महारथो रथं सकार्मुकः खङ्गधरः खमुत्पतन्।
तपोऽभियोगादृषिरुग्रवीर्यवान्विहाय देहं मरुतामिवालयम्।।5.47.33।।
sa taṃ parityajya mahāratho rathaṃ sakārmukaḥ khaṅgadharaḥ kham utpatan |
tapo ’bhiyogād ṛṣir ugravīryavān vihāya dehaṃ marutām ivālayam ||5.47.33||
Abandoning that chariot, the great warrior sprang into the sky, bow in hand and sword-bearing—like a sage of fierce ascetic power rising heavenward, leaving the body behind as though it were merely the dwelling of the winds.
(Aksha) the great charioteer abandoned the chariot, held a sword and a bow, and flew up to the region of the sky with his fierce power just as a sage with his fearsome ascetic power ascends to heaven, leaving his body.
The verse contrasts true tapas (spiritual power) with martial display: it uses sacred imagery to describe worldly combat, inviting reflection on what power is truly elevating.
With his chariot destroyed, Akṣa continues the fight by taking to the air, armed with bow and sword.
Persistence and adaptability in battle—refusing to yield after a setback.