Shloka 6.66.28

कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम् तथा अङ्गदप्रेरणा (Kumbhakarna’s sortie and Angada’s rallying of the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

लायनेनचोद्धिष्टाःप्राणान् रक्षामहेवयम् ।एकेनबहवोभग्नायशोनाशंगमिष्यति ।।।।

Transliteration

palāyanena coddhiṣṭāḥ prāṇān rakṣāmahe vayam |

ekena bahavo bhagnā yaśo nāśaṁ gamiṣyati ||

Translation

Though we are famed and chosen warriors, if we save our lives by fleeing—even if many are shattered by a single foe—our honor will be ruined.

Context

"Even though we are distinguished, if we preserve our life by running away for life, destroyed by one, our glory will come to an end."

Characters & Entities

• Aṅgada
• Vānara army
• single foe (Kumbhakarṇa implied)
• yaśas (honor)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes safeguarding communal honor and duty; cowardice that abandons a righteous cause is treated as moral loss, not mere strategy.

What is the narrative situation?

After suffering Kumbhakarṇa’s onslaught, many Vānaras begin to retreat; Aṅgada warns that flight will destroy their reputation and purpose.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lajjā and māna (sense of shame and honor) aligned with duty—refusing to let fear erase one’s pledged role.