Shloka 5.47.4

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

Devanagari script

ततस्तपस्सङ्ग्रहसञ्चयार्जितं प्रतप्तजाम्बूनदजालशोभितम्।पताकिनं रत्नविभूषितध्वजं मनोजवाष्टाश्ववरैः सुयोजितम्।।5.47.4।।

Transliteration

tatas tapassaṅgrahasañcayārjitaṃ prataptajāmbūnadajālaśobhitam |

patākinaṃ ratnavibhūṣitadhvajaṃ manojavāṣṭāśvavaraiḥ suyोजitam ||5.47.4||

Translation

Then there appeared the chariot, won by the amassed power of austerities—splendid with a network of refined Jāmbūnada-gold, bearing banners, its standard adorned with jewels, and well-yoked to eight excellent horses swift as thought.

Context

The chariot was (strong as it was) gained by his austerities of high order. It was overlaid with pure gold armour, fixed with flags, and staff, studded with precious gems, yoked to the best of eight horses and endowed with the speed of mind.

Characters & Entities

• Akṣa (implied—his chariot)
• Jāmbūnada (gold)

FAQs

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

The verse implies that power can be ‘earned’ through discipline (tapas), but Dharma ultimately judges how that power is used—splendor and merit do not automatically sanctify one’s cause.

What is the narrative situation?

The epic describes the extraordinary chariot associated with the coming combatant (Akṣa), setting the stage for his confrontation with Hanumān.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tapas as disciplined capacity—here shown as a source of formidable resources, even within the rākṣasa polity.