Shloka 6.111.8

रावणवधः — The Slaying of Ravana (Brahmāstra Discharge)

Devanagari script

सधूममिवकालानगिंदीप्तमाशीविषोपमम् ।नरनागाश्ववृद्धानांभेदनंक्षिप्रकारिणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa dhūmam iva kālān agniṃ dīptam āśīviṣopamam |

nara-nāga-aśva-vṛndānāṃ bhedanaṃ kṣipra-kāriṇam ||

Translation

Smoking like the fire of the final age, blazing and like a venomous serpent, it swiftly shattered the enemy masses of men, elephants, and horses.

Context

Like fire at the time of dissolution of the universe, burning like venomous serpent, capable of splitting hosts of enemy, men, elephants, and horses and quick in action.

Characters & Entities

• Kālāntāgni (fire at the end of time)
• Venomous serpent (Āśīviṣa)
• Enemy hosts (men, elephants, horses)
• Divine arrow (Mahā-bāṇa)

FAQs

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

The verse warns that adharma invites overwhelming consequences: when righteous force is unleashed for protection, it becomes swift and unavoidable against oppressive aggression.

What is the narrative situation?

The text emphasizes the weapon’s terrifying efficacy, preparing the reader for the irreversible turning point in the war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s controlled strength: the terror belongs to the weapon’s sanctioned power, not to indiscriminate cruelty.