Shloka 6.58.13

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

निरुच्छवासाःकृता: केचित्पतिताधरणीतले ।।।।विभिन्नहृदयाःकेचिदिषुसन्धानसन्दिताः ।

Transliteration

nirucchvāsāḥ kṛtāḥ kecit patitā dharaṇītale | vibhinnahṛdayāḥ kecid iṣusandhānasanditāḥ ||

Translation

Some were left without breath and fell upon the ground; others, pierced by well-aimed arrows, had their hearts split apart.

Context

Few got cut and deprived of life and fell on the ground. Some struck by arrows had their hearts broken into pieces.

Characters & Entities

• Vānara army
• Rākṣasa army
• arrows (iṣu)

FAQs

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

It underscores impermanence and accountability: life is fragile, and violence—especially when rooted in unrighteous causes—brings swift, irreversible consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator details the immediate effects of battle—fighters collapsing lifeless and others pierced through vital organs by arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is vigilance and disciplined intent in action; the verse contrasts skill (well-aimed arrows) with the tragic outcome of war.