Shloka 6.44.2

चतुश्चत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 44): निशायुद्धम्, धूलिरुधिरप्रवाहः, इन्द्रजितो मायायुद्धम्

Devanagari script

अन्योन्यंबद्धवैराणांघोराणांजयमिच्छताम् ।सम्प्रवृत्तंनिशायुद्धंतदावानररक्षसाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ rāmaḥ śaraiḥ ṣaḍbhiḥ ṣaḍ ajaghāna niśācarān | nimeṣāntaramātreṇa śitair agniśikhopamaiḥ || yamaśatruś ca durdharṣo mahāpārśvamahodarau | vajradaṃṣṭro mahākāyas tau cobhau śukasāraṇau || te tu rāmeṇa bāṇaughaiḥ sarve marmasu tāḍitāḥ | yuddhād apasṛtās tatra sāvaśeṣāyuṣo 'bhavan ||

Translation

In the space of a blink, Rāma struck down with six arrows—keen as tongues of flame—six night-ranging Rākṣasas: Yamaśatru, the hard-to-face Durdharṣa, Mahāpārśva, Mahodara, Vajradaṃṣṭra, and Mahākāya, along with the two, Śuka and Sāraṇa. Pierced by Rāma’s volleys in their vital spots, they withdrew from the fight there, surviving only with what life remained.

Context

Then Vanaras and dreadful Rakshasas being strongly inimical to each other started the night battle wishing victory.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Yamaśatru
• Durdharṣa
• Mahāpārśva
• Mahodara
• Vajradaṃṣṭra
• Mahākāya
• Śuka
• Sāraṇa
• Rākṣasa

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as measured, effective force used to restrain adharma: Rāma’s precision (striking vital points swiftly) restores order without needless prolongation of suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

A named group of Rākṣasa leaders presses the attack; Rāma answers instantly with six blazing arrows and drives them back wounded.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣātra-tejas (martial excellence) joined with clarity and control—Rāma acts decisively, not chaotically, even amid night-confusion.