Shloka 6.44.3

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसोऽसीतिहरयोहरिश्चाऽसीतिराक्षसाः ।अन्योन्यंसमरेजघ्नुस्तस्मिंस्तमसिदारुणे ।।।।

Transliteration

rākṣaso'sīti harayo hariścā'sīti rākṣasāḥ | anyonyaṃ samare jaghnus tasmiṃs tamasi dāruṇe ||

Translation

In that dreadful darkness, the vanaras struck one another thinking, “He is a rākṣasa,” and the rākṣasas struck one another thinking, “He is a monkey,” as confusion seized the battle.

Context

In the fierce darkness that prevailed, monkeys hit monkeys thinking to be Rakshasas and Rakshasas hit Rakshasas thinking to be Vanaras (not knowing in darkness) hit each other.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma requires discernment (viveka): when clarity is lost, even allies can harm allies. The verse warns that ignorance and confusion breed adharma-like outcomes, even within a righteous cause.

What is the narrative situation?

A night battle becomes so dark and chaotic that both sides mistakenly attack their own, misidentifying friend as foe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is vigilance and discrimination; the verse highlights the cost when these are absent.