Shloka 6.51.21

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

अभिनिष्क्रम्यतदद्वारंबलाध्यक्षमुवाचह ।त्वरयस्वबलंतूर्णंकिंचिरेणयुयुत्सतः ।।6.51.21।।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu dhūmrākṣo rākṣasendreṇa dhīmatā |

kṛtvā praṇāmaṃ saṃhṛṣṭo nirjagāma nṛpālayāt ||6.51.20||

Translation

Thus addressed by the wise lord of the rākṣasas, Dhūmrākṣa paid homage and, delighted, departed from the royal residence.

Context

There after Dhumraksha went from the gateway and said to the Commander-in-Chief of the army" Get ready immediately and start quickly. Why delay?"

Characters & Entities

• Dhūmrākṣa
• Rāvaṇa
• Royal palace (nṛpālaya)

FAQs

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

The verse raises the ethical question of obedience: loyalty to a ruler is not automatically dharmic; true dharma requires aligning service with righteous ends.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving Rāvaṇa’s order, Dhūmrākṣa salutes and leaves the palace to execute the command.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and readiness to act are highlighted in Dhūmrākṣa, though the epic frames such virtues as incomplete without moral alignment.