Shloka 6.51.26

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

रथैःकवचिनस्त्वन्येध्वजैश्चसमलङ्कृतैः ।सुवर्णजालविहितैःखरैश्चविविधाननैः ।।6.51.26।।हयैःपरमशीघ्रैश्चगजैश्चैवमदोत्कटैः ।निर्ययुर्नैरृतव्याघ्राव्याघ्राइवदुरासदाः ।।6.51.27।।

Transliteration

vṛka-siṃha-mukhair yuktaṃ kharaiḥ kanaka-bhūṣaṇaiḥ |

ārurōha rathaṃ divyaṃ dhūmrākṣaḥ khara-nissvanaḥ ||6.51.28||

Translation

Dhūmrākṣa, whose voice was harsh as a donkey’s bray, mounted a splendid chariot yoked to donkeys adorned with gold and fashioned with wolf- and lion-like faces.

Context

And others collected together holding shields, fearless like tigers, frightful in appearance, mounted on fast horses, chariots yoked to donkeys of different kinds covered with gold mesh, on maddened elephants Set out.

Characters & Entities

• Dhūmrākṣa
• Chariot (ratha)
• Donkeys (khara)

FAQs

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

The verse underlines ominous symbolism (harsh braying, fearsome imagery); dharma teaching: inner character, not ornate display, determines auspiciousness and moral worth.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhumrākṣa prepares to depart, mounting his distinctive chariot.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commanding presence and readiness for combat (presented with ominous overtones).