Shloka 6.70.10

त्रिशिरा–देवान्तक–महोदर–मत्त (महापार्श्व) वधः | Slaying of Trisira, Devantaka, Mahodara, and Matta (Mahaparsva)

Devanagari script

गजेनसमभिद्रुत्यवालिपुत्रंमहोदरः ।जघानोरसिसङ्कृद्धस्तोमरैर्वज्रसन्निभैः ।।।।

Transliteration

gajena samabhidrutya vāliputraṃ mahodaraḥ | jaghānorasi saṅkṛddhas tomarair vajrasannibhaiḥ ||

Translation

Charging with his elephant at Vāli’s son, Mahodara—enraged—struck him on the chest with javelins hard as thunderbolts.

Context

Mahodara chased the elephant on to Angada in anger and attacked him on his chest with his iron clubs.

Characters & Entities

• Mahodara
• Aṅgada (Vāliputra)
• Elephant (gaja)
• Tomara (javelin/spear)
• Vajra (thunderbolt; as simile)

FAQs

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

The verse frames the harsh reality of war: force meets force; Dharma in the Ramayana is not avoidance of conflict at all costs, but resistance to aggression in defense of righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Mahodara mounts an elephant charge and assaults Aṅgada with heavy weapons during the battle at Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Aṅgada’s steadfastness is prepared for: the narrative sets up his resilience against overwhelming attacks.