Shloka 6.43.23

द्वन्द्वयुद्धप्रवृत्तिः (Dvandva-Yuddha: The Onset of Single Combats)

Devanagari script

नदन् प्रतपनोघोरोनलंसोप्यन्वधावत ।नलःप्रतपनस्याशुपातयामासचक्षुषी ।।6.43.23।।

Transliteration

nadan pratapano ghoro nalaṃ so 'py anvadhāvata |

nalaḥ pratapanasyāśu pātayāmāsa cakṣuṣī || 6.43.23 ||

Translation

Roaring, the dreadful Pratapana rushed at Nala; but Nala swiftly struck him, making his eyes fall and blinding him.

Context

Dreadful Pratapan roared and jumped over Nala. Nala in turn gouged out the eyes of Pratapan.

Characters & Entities

• Pratapana
• Nala

FAQs

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

The verse reflects battlefield reciprocity: aggression is met with effective defense. Dharma in war includes stopping a violent assailant to protect one’s forces.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasa Pratapana charges Nala; Nala counters by blinding him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Presence of mind and tactical decisiveness—Nala answers a direct charge with a disabling strike.