Shloka 6.44.20

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

Devanagari script

तेषांरामश्शरैःषडिभःषडजघाननिशाचरान् ।।6.44.19।।निमेषान्तरमात्रेणशितैरग्निशिखोपमैः ।यमशत्रुश्चदुर्धर्षोमहापार्श्वमहोदरौ ।।6.44.20।।वज्रदंष्ट्रोमहाकायस्तौचोभौशुकसारणौ ।तेतुरामेणबाणौघैस्सर्वेमर्मसुताडिताः ।।6.44.21।।युद्धादपसृतास्तत्रसावशेषायुषोऽभवन् ।

Transliteration

tatra kāñcanacitrāṅgaiḥ śarair agniśikhopamaiḥ | diśaś cakāra vimalāḥ pradiśaś ca mahārathaḥ ||

Translation

There, the great charioteer made the quarters and the intermediate directions shine clear, with arrows like tongues of fire, richly adorned with gold.

Context

On Rama striking with the six best of shafts like flames in a time of twinkling of eyelids, the six Rakshasas, Yamasatru, Mahaparva, Mahodara, Mahakaya, and Vajradamshtra found it difficult to overcome. Along with the two Suka, Saranas all of them were struck by Rama's fire like arrows in their vital parts and escaped with leftover life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma

FAQs

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

Symbolically, dharma ‘illumines’ confusion: in the moral darkness of war, righteous agency brings clarity and direction—action guided by purpose rather than fear.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s flaming, gold-decorated arrows streak through the night, lighting up the battlefield in all directions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prabhāva (commanding presence) and unwavering focus—Rāma’s very action dispels the tactical darkness of night fighting.