Shloka 6.72.3

अतिकायवधश्रवणं रावणस्य लङ्कारक्षाविधानम् (Ravana’s Reaction to Atikaya’s Death and the Fortification Orders for Lanka)

Devanagari script

धूम्राक्षःपरमामर्षीधन्वीशस्त्रभृतांवरः ।अकम्पनःप्रहस्तश्चकुम्भुकर्णस्तथैव च ।।6.72.2।।एतेमहाबलावीराराक्षसायुद्धकाङ्क्षिणः ।जेतारःपरसैन्यानांपरैर्नित्यापराजिताः ।।6.72.3।।निहतास्तेमहावीर्यारामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा ।राक्षसास्सुमहाकायानानाशस्त्रविशारदाः ।।6.72.4।।अन्ये च बहवश्शूरामहात्मानोनिपातिताः ।

Transliteration

ete mahābalā vīrā rākṣasā yuddhakāṅkṣiṇaḥ | jetāraḥ parasainyānāṁ parair nityāparājitāḥ ||

Translation

These heroic Rākṣasas, mighty in strength and eager for battle—conquerors of enemy hosts, never overcome by their foes—have fallen.

Context

"Dhumraksha, a highly intolerant one, Akampana, the foremost of the Rakshasas and skilled in the use of bow and arms, in the same way Prahastha, Kumbhakarna of stupendous valour and heroes among Rakshasas desiring for combat, who have never been defeated and conquerors of hostile armies, have been killed. Great heroes of huge body, skilled in the use of many weapons and other warriors have been killed by Rama."

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Enemy armies

FAQs

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

Dharma underscores impermanence and the limits of brute strength: pride in invincibility collapses when one stands against righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The king reflects on the downfall of once-celebrated warriors, acknowledging the scale of losses in the war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse indirectly emphasizes steadfast dharmic power: even the ‘never-defeated’ can be overcome when opposed by righteous resolve.