Shloka 6.52.4

धूम्राक्षवधः (The Slaying of Dhumrākṣa)

Devanagari script

राक्षसास्त्वभिसङ्क्रुद्धावानरान्निशितैश्शरैः ।विव्यथुर्घोरसङ्काशैःकङ्कपत्रैरजिह्मगैः ।।6.52.4।।

Transliteration

tad babhūv adbhutaṃ ghoraṃ yuddhaṃ vānararakṣasām |

śilābhir vividhābhiś ca bahubhiś caiva pādapaiḥ ||6.52.9||

Translation

Then there arose a battle—wondrous yet terrifying—between vānaras and rākṣasas, fought with many kinds of rocks and with countless trees.

Context

Highly enraged Rakshasas on their part fixed the Vanaras with sharp dreadful arrows with itching feathers.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras
• Rākṣasas
• Rocks (śilā)
• Trees (pādapa)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the gravity of conflict: even when fought for dharma, war remains ghora (terrible), inviting reflection on restraint and the cost of adharma that necessitates such battle.

What is the narrative situation?

A climactic phase of fighting erupts, with improvised weapons—stones and trees—dominating the battlefield.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective valor and resourcefulness—using available means to uphold the mission against oppressive force.