Shloka 6.58.43

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

यथैवगोवृषोवर्षंशारदंशीघ्रमागतम् ।एवमेवप्रहस्तस्यशरवर्षंदुरासदम् ।।।।निमीलिताक्षस्सहसानीलस्सेहेदुरासदान् ।

Transliteration

yathaiva govṛṣo varṣaṃ śāradaṃ śīghram āgatam |

evam eva prahastasya śaravarṣaṃ durāsadam |

nimīlitākṣaḥ sahasā nīlaḥ sehe durāsadān || 6.58.43 ||

Translation

As a strong bull withstands a sudden autumn downpour, so did Nīla—eyes closed—endure Prahastha’s fierce, hard-to-face rain of arrows.

Context

Just as a mighty bull faces sudden downpour of autumnal rain, in the same way Nila precisely tolerated the rain of arrows of Prahastha, which are difficult to face, with eyes closed.

Characters & Entities

• Nīla
• Prahastha

FAQs

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

Inner steadiness under adversity: dharma is upheld not only by striking back, but by enduring hardship without losing one’s composure and commitment.

What is the narrative situation?

Nīla is compared to a bull in heavy rain as he bears Prahastha’s arrow-storm without flinching.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resilience (dhṛti) and forbearance (kṣānti) in Nīla.