Shloka 6.43.12
द्वन्द्वयुद्धप्रवृत्तिः (Dvandva-Yuddha: The Onset of Single Combats)
वज्रमुष्टिस्तुमैन्देनद्विविदेनाशनिप्रभः ।राक्षसाभ्यांसुघोराभ्यांकपिमुख्यौसमागतौ ।।6.43.12।।
te hayaiḥ kāñcanāpīḍair dhvajaiś cāgniśikhopamaiḥ |
rathaiś cādityasaṅkāśaiḥ kavacaiś ca manoramaiḥ ||
niryayū rākṣasa-vyāghrā nādayanto diśo daśa |
rākṣasā bhīma-karmāṇo rāvaṇasya jayaiṣiṇaḥ ||
Seeking victory for Rāvaṇa, tiger-like rākṣasas of dreadful deeds sallied forth—mounted on horses with golden trappings, bearing banners like tongues of fire, with chariots shining like the sun and splendid armor—roaring so that the ten directions resounded.
Vajramushti with Mainda and Asaniprabhu with Dwivida, the chief of monkeys, fought with the two Rakshasas.
The verse contrasts outward splendor and martial organization with inner intention: seeking victory for an unrighteous cause can still be energetically pursued, but Dharma evaluates the aim and alignment with righteousness, not merely power or pageantry.
Rāvaṇa’s rākṣasa forces surge out onto the battlefield in force, fully equipped and loudly advancing, intensifying the war scene.
Martial zeal and collective discipline are highlighted—though directed toward Rāvaṇa’s cause, it shows coordinated courage and readiness for battle.