Shloka 6.58.49

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

उल्लिखन्तौसुतीक्ष्णाभिर्दंष्ट्राभिरितरेतरम् ।सिंहशार्दूलसदृशौसिंहशार्दूलचेष्टितौ ।।6.58.48।।विक्रान्तविजयौवीरौसमरेष्न्विवर्तिनौ ।काङ्क्षमाणौयशःप्राप्तुंवृत्रवासवयोस्सह ।।6.58.49।।

Transliteration

tataḥ prahastaṁ niryāntaṁ bhīmaṁ bhīma-parākramam |

garjantaṁ sumahākāyaṁ rākṣasair abhisamvṛtam |

dadarśa mahatī senā vānarāṇāṁ balīyasām |

abhisañjāta-roṣāṇāṁ prahastam abhigarjatām ||6.58.5||

Translation

Then the mighty army of the Vānara warriors saw Prahasta advancing—terrible in form and terrible in prowess—roaring loudly, of enormous body, and surrounded by Rākṣasas.

Context

Tearing up each other with exceedingly sharp teeth they were behaving like a lion and tiger. They had won many wars and never turned back in war. They were heroes like Vrta and Indra desiring to conquer and attain fame.

Characters & Entities

• Prahasta
• Vānara army
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as steadfastness in one’s chosen duty during crisis: both sides stand firm to their cause, and the narrative frames war as a test of resolve and disciplined courage.

What is the narrative situation?

Prahasta, a chief Rākṣasa warrior, advances roaring and surrounded by his troops; the Vānara forces see him and prepare to meet the challenge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (valor) and dhṛti (steadfastness) are emphasized—especially the readiness of the Vānara army to face a formidable opponent.