Shloka 6.75.58
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः (The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle)
पताकाध्वजसंसक्तमुत्तमासिपरश्वधम् ।भीमाश्वरथमातङ्गंनानापततिसमाकुलम् ।।6.75.55।।दीप्तशूलगदाखडगप्रासतोमरकार्मुकम् ।तद्राक्षसबलंघोरभीमंविक्रमपौरुषम् ।।6.75.56।।ददृशेज्वलितप्रासंकिङ्किणीशतनादितम् ।हेमजालाचितभुजंव्यावेष्टितपरश्वथम् ।।6.75.57।।व्याघूर्णितमहाशस्त्रंबाणसंसक्तकार्मुकम् ।गन्धमाल्यमधूत्सेकसम्मोदितमहानिलम् ।।6.75.58।।
gopurāṭṭapratolīṣu caryāsu vividhāsu ca | prāsādeṣu ca saṃhṛṣṭāḥ sasṛjus te hutāśanam ||
Rejoicing, they set fire to the towering gateways, the attics and archways, the many streets, and the mansions—thus driving the battle into the heart of the city.
Then the Rakshasa army appeared terrific, fixed with flags and poles, equipped with best of axes, horses yoked to formidable chariots and elephants different kinds of foot soldiers, distinguished by wielding shining tridents, maces, swords spears and lances warriors of frightening valour and prowess holding shining barbed missiles hundreds of tiny bells tied to the chariots and elephants making noise warriors endowed with arms decorated with gold, with axes and weapons to pierce arrows fixed to the bows, with an abundance of fragrance.
The verse raises a dharmic tension: strategic acts in war can become destructive to civic life. The Ramayana often invites readers to weigh necessity against harm, emphasizing responsibility even in victory-seeking.
During the assault on Laṅkā, the Vanaras ignite key urban structures—gates, streets, and mansions—intensifying pressure on the Rākṣasas.
Zeal and fearlessness are shown, but the scene also implicitly tests maryādā (limits): righteous forces must guard against excess and uncontrolled devastation.