Shloka 6.52.3

धूम्राक्षवधः (The Slaying of Dhumrākṣa)

Devanagari script

राक्षसैर्वानराघोराविनिकृत्तस्समन्ततः ।वानरैराक्षसाश्चापिद्रुमैर्भूमिसमीकृताः ।।6.52.3।।

Transliteration

rākṣasair vānarā ghorā vinikṛttāḥ samantataḥ | vānarair rākṣasāś cāpi drumair bhūmisamīkṛtāḥ ||6.52.3||

Translation

On all sides the fierce Vānaras were cut down by the Rākṣasas; and the Rākṣasas too were felled to the ground by Vānaras wielding trees.

Context

Fierce Rakshasas mowed down the Vanaras all over and even the Vanaras pulled down Rakshasas to the ground with trees.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Vānaras
• Trees (druma)

FAQs

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

War’s gravity and restraint: the verse highlights the mutual devastation of battle, implicitly warning that violence—though sometimes undertaken for dharma—carries heavy cost.

What is the narrative situation?

A battlefield overview: both sides inflict severe casualties; Vānaras use uprooted trees as weapons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective courage and endurance (dhairya) of the Vānara host under intense assault.