Shloka 6.54.20

वज्रदंष्ट्रवधः — The Slaying of Vajradaṃṣṭra (Angada’s Duel)

Devanagari script

दृष्टापतन्तंतंवृक्षमसम्भ्रान्तश्चराक्षसः ।।6.54.20।।चिच्छेदबहुधासोऽपिमथितःप्रादतद्भुवि ।

Transliteration

dṛṣṭāpatantaṃ taṃ vṛkṣam asambhrāntaś ca rākṣasaḥ |

ciccheda bahudhā so ’pi mathitaḥ prāpatad bhuvi ||6.54.20||

Translation

Seeing that tree hurtling toward him, the rākṣasa did not lose his composure; he cut it into many pieces, and the shattered mass fell to the ground.

Context

That Rakshasa (Vajradamshtra) seeing the tree coming towards him was not bewildered. He shattered it into pieces, and it fell on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Vajradaṃṣṭra
• Aṅgada
• tree (vṛkṣa)
• ground (bhūmi)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates mental steadiness (dhairya) as a battlefield virtue; even in conflict, clarity of mind prevents reckless or unjust action.

What is the narrative situation?

Vajradaṃṣṭra calmly counters Aṅgada’s tree-attack by breaking it apart mid-action so it drops harmlessly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Presence of mind—remaining unbewildered while responding effectively to danger.