Shloka 6.53.2

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

Devanagari script

धूम्राक्षंनिहतंश्रुत्वारावणोराक्षसेश्वरः ।क्रोधेनमहताऽविष्टोनिश्श्वसन्नुरगोयथा ।।6.53.1।।दीर्घमुष्णंविनिश्श्वस्यक्रोधेनकलुषीकृतः ।अब्रवीद्राक्षसंक्रूरंवज्रदंष्ट्रंमहाबलम् ।।6.53.2।।

Transliteration

dīrghamuṣṇaṃ viniśśvasya krodhena kaluṣīkṛtaḥ |

abravīd rākṣasaṃ krūraṃ vajradaṃṣṭraṃ mahābalam ||

Translation

Breathing out long and hot in fury, his mind darkened by wrath, Rāvaṇa spoke to the cruel Rākṣasa Vajradaṃṣṭra, a warrior of great strength.

Context

The Lord of Rakshasas was overcome with anger on hearing about Dhumraksha's death. He was hissing like a serpent, heaving a deep burning sigh, for having done a dirty task. He spoke to cruel Vajradamshtra of mighty prowess.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vajradaṃṣṭra

FAQs

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

It highlights how krodha (anger) clouds judgment and stains leadership. Dharma requires self-mastery; when a ruler acts from rage, decisions tend toward adharma and harm.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving grim news from the battlefield, Rāvaṇa—consumed by fury—summons and addresses Vajradaṃṣṭra to continue the war effort.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the verse emphasizes the need for restraint and clarity in leadership; it shows the absence of that virtue in Rāvaṇa’s rage-darkened state.