Shloka 6.51.32

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

रुधिरार्द्रोमहान् श्वेतःकबन्धःपतितोभुवि ।।6.51.32।।विस्वरंचोत्सृजन्नादंधूम्राक्षस्यसमीपतः ।ववर्षरुधिरंदेवस्सञ्चचालचमेदिनी ।।6.51.33।।

Transliteration

rudhirārdro mahān śvetaḥ kabandhaḥ patito bhuvi ॥6.51.32॥

visvaraṃ cotsṛjan nādaṃ dhūmrākṣasya samīpataḥ ।

Translation

A great white headless trunk, drenched in blood, fell to the ground near Dhūmrākṣa, giving out a harsh and discordant cry—another dreadful portent.

Context

A trunk of a white bird drenched in blood sounding discordant fell near by Dhumraksha. It appeared like a rain god shedding blood on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Dhumrākṣa
• kabandha (headless trunk portent)

FAQs

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

Dharma is aligned with cosmic order; when violence is pursued for unjust ends, nature and the psyche register disturbance through ‘nimittas’ (warnings).

What is the narrative situation?

Near Dhumrākṣa, a terrifying, unnatural form falls and cries out—signaling that his campaign is ill-fated.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility before moral law: the narrative urges leaders to heed warning signs rather than press forward in arrogance.