Shloka 6.52.19

धूम्राक्षवधः (The Slaying of Dhumrākṣa)

Devanagari script

प्तासैःप्रमथिताःकेचिद्वानराश्शोणितस्रवाः ।मुद्गरैराहताःकेचित्पातिताधरणीतले ।।6.52.19।।

Transliteration

sainyaṃ tu vidrutaṃ dṛṣṭvā dhūmrākṣo rākṣasarṣabhaḥ | roṣeṇa kadanaṃ cakre vānarāṇāṃ yuyutsatām ||6.52.18||

Translation

Seeing the army in flight, Dhūmrākṣa—bull among the Rakshasas—burning with rage, wrought destruction among the Vanaras who were pressing for battle.

Context

Few Vanaras mutilated by barbed darts, some struck with mallets, blood oozing dropped down.

Characters & Entities

• Dhūmrākṣa
• Vānara (Vanaras)
• Rākṣasa (Rakshasas)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts motives in war: anger-driven violence (roṣa) is shown as a destructive impulse, while the Vanaras’ readiness to fight is tied to duty in service of justice.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhūmrākṣa rallies and counterattacks when he notices disorder in the forces, turning the tide locally by inflicting heavy damage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

For Dhūmrākṣa, martial ferocity and command presence; implicitly, the Vanaras’ persistence in continuing to engage despite pressure.