Shloka 6.75.63

लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः (The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle)

Devanagari script

तथैवापततांतेषांकपीनामसिभिशशितैः ।।।।शिरांसिसहसाजह्रूराक्षसाभीमदर्शना ।

Transliteration

tathaivāpatatāṃ teṣāṃ kapīnām asibhiḥ śitaiḥ | śirāṃsi sahasā jahrū rākṣasā bhīmadarśanāḥ ||

Translation

Just so, as those Vānaras rushed in, the fearsome-looking Rākṣasas swiftly sheared off their heads with keen-edged swords.

Context

When the Rakshasas showed up in that manner, the monkeys approaching them cut off their heads instantly with sharp swords.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras (Kapayaḥ)
• Rākṣasas
• asi (sword)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the harsh reality of war: when adharma reaches the battlefield, violence escalates rapidly; the Ramayana uses such scenes to remind that the righteous path seeks to prevent such collapse, yet must confront it when unavoidable.

What is the narrative situation?

As the Vānaras surge forward, the Rākṣasas counterattack with swords, inflicting immediate lethal blows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Battle-skill and ruthless efficiency (yuddha-kauśala) on the Rākṣasa side—presented descriptively, not as moral approval.