Shloka 6.54.3

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसाश्चापिमुख्यास्तेरथेषुसमवस्थिताः ।नानाप्रहरणाश्शूराःप्रायुध्यन्तस्तदारणे ।।6.54.3।।

Transliteration

rākṣasāś cāpi mukhyās te ratheṣu samavasthitāḥ |

nānāpraharaṇāḥ śūrāḥ prāyudhyantas tadā raṇe |

Translation

The chief rākṣasas too, stationed upon their chariots—heroes bearing many kinds of weapons—fought on steadily then in the battle.

Context

Seated firmly on the chariots the chiefs and heroes of Rakshasas also fought steadily with different weapons in the combat.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• ratha (chariot)
• weapons (praharaṇa)

FAQs

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

The verse presents satya of warfare’s scale and organization. Dharma is not sentimental here; it recognizes that adharma can also be disciplined—hence the need for righteous leadership to counter it.

What is the narrative situation?

A broad battlefield overview: rākṣasa leaders are deployed on chariots and fight with diverse weapons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective resolve and martial preparedness (though morally neutral, it heightens the contrast with righteous purpose).