Shloka 6.70.64

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

Devanagari script

अभिदुद्राववेगेनगदांतस्यमहात्मनः ।गृहीत्वातांगदांभीमामाविध्य च पुनःपुनः ।।।।मत्तानीकंमहात्मानंजघानरणमूर्धनि ।

Transliteration

abhidudrāva vegena gadāṃ tasya mahātmanaḥ |

gṛhītvā tāṃ gadāṃ bhīmām āvidhya ca punaḥpunaḥ |

mattānīkaṃ mahātmānaṃ jaghāna raṇamūrdhani ||

Translation

Rushing forward at speed toward the mace of that great-souled warrior, Ṛṣabha seized the dreadful gada and, whirling it again and again, struck Mattānīka down in the very forefront of the battle.

Context

The great Rakshasa Mahaparsva went towards the mace held by Rshaba, the great soul. Taking hold of the mace, Rshaba struck the Rakshasa again and again and pierced him in the forefront of the battlefield.

Characters & Entities

• Ṛṣabha
• Mattānīka
• gadā (mace)
• raṇa (battlefield)

FAQs

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

Active resistance to aggression: dharma in war includes protecting one’s side by decisively neutralizing threats, especially at the battle’s front where morale is shaped.

What is the narrative situation?

Ṛṣabha charges, seizes a formidable mace, and repeatedly strikes Mattānīka at the forefront of the battlefield.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearless initiative (pragalbhatā) and battlefield leadership.