Shloka 6.51.25

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

विविधायुधहस्ताश्चशूलमुद्गरपाणयः ।गदाभिःपट्टसैर्दण्डैरायसैर्मुसलैर्भृशम् ।।6.51.24।।परिघैर्भिण्डिवालैश्चभल्लैप्रासै: परश्वथै: ।निर्ययूराक्षसादिभ्योनर्धन्तोजलदायथा ।।6.51.25।।

Transliteration

rathaiḥ kavacinas tv anye dhvajaiś ca samalaṅkṛtaiḥ |

suvarṇa-jāla-vihitaiḥ kharaiś ca vividhānanaiḥ ||6.51.26||

hayaiḥ parama-śīghraiś ca gajaiś caiva madotkaṭaiḥ |

niryayur nairṛta-vyāghrā vyāghrā iva durāsadāḥ ||6.51.27||

Translation

Others—armored and bearing banners—rode out on splendid chariots drawn by donkeys of strange visage, wrought with nets of gold; with horses of utmost speed and elephants maddened in rut, those “tigers among the rākṣasas” advanced, hard to approach like true tigers.

Context

The dreadful Rakshasas set out roaring like rain clouds armed with different kinds of weapons, like tridents, darts, maces, spears, iron bars, rods, even clubs, spears and slings, arrows in thousands.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas (nairṛtāḥ)
• Chariots
• Horses
• Elephants
• Banners (dhvaja)

FAQs

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

The verse depicts splendor and military might; dharma reflection: external grandeur (gold, banners, armies) is not a sign of righteousness—right conduct and truth (satya) are the true measures.

What is the narrative situation?

A large, well-equipped rākṣasa detachment rides out with chariots, horses, and elephants to confront the enemy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and aggressiveness in battle (valor as a capability), set within an adharma-aligned campaign.