Shloka 6.58.47

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

तावुभौवाहिनीमुख्यौजातवैरौतरस्विनौ ।स्थितौक्षतजगदिग्धाङ्गौप्रभिन्नाविवकुञ्जरौ ।।।।

Transliteration

tāv ubhau vāhinīmukhyau jātavairau tarasvinau |

sthitau kṣatajagadigdhāṅgau prabhinnāv iva kuñjarau || 6.58.47 ||

Translation

Those two mighty leaders of their armies, now sworn enemies, stood with limbs smeared in blood—like wounded elephants facing each other.

Context

Both Nila and Prahastha, deadly enemies, Commander-in-Chief of the armies, their limbs disfigured, wetted with blood, stood like elephants.

Characters & Entities

• Nīla
• Prahastha

FAQs

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

Recognition of the gravity of conflict: the imagery underscores that war wounds both sides, urging that force be used only in service of dharma and necessity.

What is the narrative situation?

After exchanges of weapons and injuries, Nīla and Prahastha face each other at close quarters, bloodied but unyielding.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unflinching steadfastness in combat (both warriors).