Shloka 6.24.16

लङ्कानिरीक्षणं व्यूहविन्यासश्च (Survey of Lanka and Deployment of the Battle Formation)

Devanagari script

गन्धहस्तीवदुर्धर्षस्तरस्वीगन्धमादनः ।तिष्ठेद्वानरवाहिन्यास्सव्यंपार्श्वंसमाश्रित:।। ।।

Transliteration

gandhahastīva durdharṣas tarasvī gandhamādanaḥ | tiṣṭhed vānaravāhinyāḥ savyaṁ pārśvaṁ samāśritaḥ ||

Translation

Let the powerful Gandhamādana—unyielding like a proud elephant—take up the army’s left flank and stand fast there.

Context

"Let the mighty Gandhamadana, a difficult one to conquer like a proud elephant, take the battalion of army and stay on the right side"

Characters & Entities

• Gandhamādana
• Vanara host
• left flank

FAQs

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

Dharma as steadfast duty: holding one’s assigned post for the safety of the whole, even under attack.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma completes flank assignments, ensuring balanced protection on both sides of the formation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness and endurance—Gandhamādana is portrayed as difficult to overwhelm.