Shloka 6.51.19

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

बलेनमहतायुक्तोराक्षसैर्भीमविक्रमः ।त्वंवधायाभिनिर्याहिरामस्यसहवानरैः ।।6.51.19।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā tu saṅkruddho niśśvasann urago yathā |

abravīd rakṣasāṃ madhye dhūmrākṣaṃ nāma rākṣasam ||6.51.18||

Translation

Having spoken thus, enraged and hissing like a serpent, he addressed, in the midst of the rākṣasas, a demon named Dhūmrākṣa.

Context

"Dhumraksha of fierce prowess, you along with a huge Rakshasa army go just now to destroy Rama along with able Vanaras."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Dhūmrākṣa
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Unchecked anger (krodha) is portrayed as dehumanizing and clouding judgment; dharma calls for restraint and discernment, especially in leadership.

What is the narrative situation?

After reacting to the news, Rāvaṇa, furious, calls upon Dhūmrākṣa before the assembled rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes (by contrast) the virtue of self-control; Rāvaṇa’s serpent-like fury signals its absence.