Shloka 6.54.31

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

Devanagari script

चित्रांश्चरुचिरान्मार्गांश्चेरतुःकपिराक्षसौ ।।6.54.31।।जघ्नतुश्चतदान्योन्यंनिर्दयंजयकाङ् क्षिणौ ।

Transliteration

citrāṁś ca rucirān mārgāṁś ceratuḥ kapirākṣasau |

jaghnatuś ca tadā anyonyaṁ nirdayaṁ jayakāṅkṣiṇau |

Translation

Then the monkey and the rākṣasa, yearning for victory, moved in strikingly varied and skillful ways, and smote each other without mercy.

Context

Then desiring victory both monkey and Rakshasa struck one another passionately in wonderful harsh ways.

Characters & Entities

• Angada
• Vajradaṁṣṭra

FAQs

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

The verse warns that the thirst for victory can harden the heart. Dharma requires that even necessary conflict be governed by restraint and right purpose, not cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

The duel intensifies: both combatants maneuver cleverly and exchange merciless blows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic skill and relentless effort—yet the text also foregrounds the moral danger of nirdayatā (mercilessness).