Shloka 6.58.5

प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)

Devanagari script

ततःप्रहस्तंनिर्यान्तंभीमंभीमपराक्रमम् ।।।।गर्जन्तंसुमहाकायंराक्षसैरभिसम्वृतम् ।ददर्शमहतीसेनावानराणांबलीयसाम् ।।।।अभिसञ्जातरोषाणांप्रहस्तमभिगर्जताम् ।

Transliteration

vikrānta-vijayau vīrau samareṣv anivartinau |

kāṅkṣamāṇau yaśaḥ prāptuṁ vṛtra-vāsavayoḥ saha ||6.58.49||

Translation

Those two heroes—bold and victorious—never turning back in battle, longed to win fame, like Vṛtra and Vāsava (Indra) contending together.

Context

The huge army of powerful Vanaras saw Prahastha of terrific prowess, fierce, surrounded by Rakshasas coming towards them roaring.

Characters & Entities

• Vṛtra
• Vāsava (Indra)

FAQs

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

The verse reflects the dharma of the warrior ethos: perseverance and refusal to retreat when duty calls, while also warning that the pursuit of yaśas (fame) often drives conflict and must be governed by righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The combatants are described as evenly matched and relentless, locked in a struggle where each seeks victory and renown, compared to the famed Vṛtra–Indra battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Anivartitva (non-retreat) and utsāha (martial vigor) are emphasized—the determination to stand one’s ground in battle.