Shloka 6.58.10

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

तेषामन्योन्यमासाद्यसङ्ग्रामःसुमहानभूत् ।।।।बहूनामश्मवृष्टिंचशरवर्षंचवर्षताम् ।

Transliteration

tataḥ prahastaṁ niryāntaṁ dṛṣṭvā bhīma-parākramam | uvāca sa-smitaṁ rāmo vibhīṣaṇam arindamaḥ ||6.58.1||

Translation

Then Rāma, tamer of foes, seeing Prahasta advance—terrible in prowess—spoke to Vibhīṣaṇa with a gentle smile.

Context

Each of them approached one another with showers of rocks and many arrows and by that a great war happened.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Prahasta
• Vibhīṣaṇa

FAQs

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

Maryādā (dignified restraint): even when facing a formidable enemy, Rāma remains composed, modeling righteous leadership that is steady rather than shaken by fear or hatred.

What is the narrative situation?

As Prahasta comes forward to fight, Rāma notices him and turns to consult/communicate with Vibhīṣaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Calm courage and self-mastery (dama): Rāma’s gentle smile signals inner steadiness amid impending violence.