Shloka 6.53.15

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

Devanagari script

व्याहरन्तमृगाघोरारक्षसांनिधनंतदा ।समापतन्तोयोधास्तुप्रास्खलन् स्तत्रदारुणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

etān autpātikān dṛṣṭvā vajradaṃṣṭro mahābalaḥ |

dhairyam ālambhya tejasvī nirjagāma raṇotsukaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing these ominous portents, the mighty Vajradaṃṣṭra—brilliant and high-spirited—steadied himself with resolve and sallied out, eager for battle.

Context

Then the fierce animals indicated the death of Rakshasas, who were going deluded with war and fell down.

Characters & Entities

• Vajradaṃṣṭra
• Portents (autpātikāni)

FAQs

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

Courage is not automatically dharmic; Dharma requires right discernment—bravery used in an unjust cause becomes misplaced valor.

What is the narrative situation?

Despite ominous signs, Vajradaṃṣṭra gathers courage and goes out from Laṅkā to fight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Valor (śaurya/dhairya) is highlighted, though the verse invites reflection on whether it is guided by righteous judgment.