Shloka 6.70.51

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

Devanagari script

जग्राहार्चिष्मतींघोरांगदांसर्वायसींशुभां ।।।।हेमपट्टपरिक्षिप्तांमांसशोणितफेनिलाम् ।विराजमानांवपुषांशत्रुशोणितरंजिताम् ।।।।तेजसासंप्रदीप्ताग्रांरक्तमाल्यविभूषिताम् ।ऐरावतमहापद्मसार्वभौमभयावहाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

jagrāhārciṣmatīṃ ghorāṃ gadāṃ sarvāyasīṃ śubhām |

hemapaṭṭaparikṣiptāṃ māṃsaśoṇitaphenilām |

virājamānāṃ vapuṣā śatruśoṇitarañjitām |

tejasā saṃpradīptāgrāṃ raktamālyavibhūṣitām |

airāvatamahāpadmasārvabhaumabha yāvahām ||

Translation

Then he seized a dreadful, gleaming mace—made wholly of iron, yet splendid—bound with bands of gold, foaming with flesh and blood; radiant in form and reddened by an enemy’s gore, its head blazing with fiery brilliance, adorned with red garlands, and famed as a terror even to Airāvata, Mahāpadma, and Sārvabhauma.

Context

Mahaparsva seized hold of a good venerable, all-powerful mace plated with gold, smeared with flesh and blood, shining with lustre, shining red with enemy's blood, an effulgent one whose head has been glowing decorated with red flower garlands that brought terror to Airavatam, Mahapadma, and Sarvabhuama, the three elephants guarding the three of the four quarters.

Characters & Entities

• Matta (implied by continuation from prior verse)
• gadā (mace)
• Airāvata
• Mahāpadma
• Sārvabhauma
• golden bands (hema-paṭṭa)

FAQs

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

The verse warns that splendour of weapons and terror-inspiring power are not markers of righteousness; Dharma is measured by purpose and restraint, not by frightening display.

What is the narrative situation?

Matta prepares to re-enter combat by taking up an extraordinarily fearsome mace, described in vivid, hyperbolic detail.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, the text highlights the danger of āyudha-mada (intoxication with weapon-power): reliance on brute force without dharmic restraint.