Shloka 6.53.24

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

Devanagari script

केचिदस्त्राणिसन्सृज्यबाहुयुद्धमकुर्वत ।तलैश्चचरणैश्चापिमुष्टिभिश्चद्रुमैरपि ।।6.53.23।।जानुभिश्चहताःकेचिद्भिन्नदेहाश्चराक्षसाः ।शिलाभिश्चूर्णिताःकेचिद्वानरैर्युद्धदुर्मदैः ।।6.53.24।।

Transliteration

vajradaṃṣṭro bhṛśaṃ bāṇaiḥ raṇe vitrāsayan harīn |

cacāra lokasaṃhāre pāśahasta ivāntakaḥ ||

Translation

Vajradaṃṣṭra ranged about the battlefield, fiercely assailing the Vānaras with arrows—like Death himself, noose in hand, moving at the time of the world’s destruction.

Context

Indeed, abandoning the weapons, the Vanaras fought with their palms, fists, feet, trees, and knees and smashed the Rakshasas crushing their bodies like rocks.

Characters & Entities

• Vajradaṃṣṭra
• Vānara(s)
• Antaka (Death)

FAQs

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

The comparison to Death stresses how adharma-led aggression spreads fear. Dharma in war is not terrorizing the helpless but fighting with restraint and purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Vajradaṃṣṭra enters the fray as a major Rākṣasa champion, moving through the battlefield and striking the Vānaras with arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial prowess is shown, but framed negatively as intimidation and destructive force rather than righteous heroism.