Shloka 6.52.18

धूम्राक्षवधः (The Slaying of Dhumrākṣa)

Devanagari script

सैन्यंतुविद्रुतंदृष्टवाधूम्राक्षोराक्षसर्षभः ।रोषेणकदनंचक्रेवानराणांयुयुत्सताम् ।।6.52.18।।

Transliteration

vānarair āpatantas te vegitā vegavattaraiḥ | muṣṭibhiś caraṇair daṃṣṭraiḥ pādapaiś cāvapothitāḥ ||6.52.17||

Translation

The Vanaras—swift and swifter still—fell upon them, knocking the Rakshasas down with fists, feet, teeth, and even with trees.

Context

Dhumraksha, the bull among the Rakshasas seeing the army distressed and running away, being eager to fight began to cause havoc to the Vanaras.

Characters & Entities

• Vānara (Vanaras)
• Rākṣasa (Rakshasas)

FAQs

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

It underscores disciplined effort in a righteous cause: the Vanaras act decisively to protect Rāma’s mission, using whatever means available without hesitation in a just war.

What is the narrative situation?

Close-combat melee: Vanaras rush the Rakshasas and bring them down through grappling and improvised weapons like uprooted trees.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (valor) and utsāha (energetic resolve) shown by the Vanaras in coordinated assault.