Shloka 6.53.10

युद्धकाण्डे त्रिपञ्चाशः सर्गः — धूम्राक्षवधश्रवणं, वज्रदंष्ट्रप्रेषणं, अङ्गद-राक्षसयुद्धम् (Ravana Dispatches Vajradamshtra; Portents and Angada’s Assault)

Devanagari script

विचित्रवाससस्सर्वेदीप्ताराक्षसपुङ्गवाः ।गजामदोत्कटाश्शूराश्चलन्तइवपर्वताः ।।।।

Transliteration

vicitravāsasaḥ sarve dīptā rākṣasapuṅgavāḥ |

gajāmadotkaṭāḥ śūrāś calanta iva parvatāḥ ||

Translation

All the foremost Rākṣasa leaders, clad in splendid and varied garments and blazing with martial splendor, advanced like moving mountains—like elephants made fierce by the intoxication of musth.

Context

All the Rakshasa leaders decorated with lovely raiment, glowing, the heroes moved like mountains. They seemed like elephants intoxicated with ichor.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Rākṣasa leaders

FAQs

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

External splendor and strength do not equal righteousness; Dharma evaluates intent and conduct, not merely power or display.

What is the narrative situation?

Rākṣasa commanders march out in force, described with grand, intimidating imagery before the clash with the Vānara host.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse indirectly highlights the need for humility: martial might without ethical grounding tends toward pride and destruction.