Shloka 6.70.55

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

Devanagari script

अथर्षभस्समुत्पत्यवानरोरावणानुजम् ।मत्तानीकमुपागम्यतस्थौतस्याग्रतोबली ।।।।

Transliteration

atharṣabhaḥ samutpatya vānaro rāvaṇānujam |

mattānīkam upāgamya tasthau tasyāgrato balī ||6.70.55||

Translation

Then Ṛṣabha, the powerful vānara, sprang up, approached Mattānīka, and stood firm before him.

Context

Rshaba, the bull among Vanaras endowed with prowess, springing up came and stood in front of Mahaparsva.

Characters & Entities

• Ṛṣabha (Vānara warrior)
• Mattānīka (rākṣasa, contextual)
• Rāvaṇa (via epithet rāvaṇānujam)

FAQs

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

Stepping forward to face danger for the sake of one’s side reflects kṣātra-dharma (the duty of the warrior/protector): meeting force with steadfast courage to shield others.

What is the narrative situation?

As the rākṣasa presses the attack, Ṛṣabha intervenes directly, placing himself in the enemy’s path.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and resolve—standing one’s ground in the face of a stronger or terrifying opponent.