Shloka 6.79.17
मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)
मकराक्ष्वचश्श्रुत्वारामोदशरथात्मजः ।अब्रवीत्प्रहसन्वाक्यमुत्तरोत्तरवादिनम् ।।।।
astrair vā gadayā vāpi bāhubhyāṃ vā mahāhave |
abhyastaṃ yena vā rāma tenaiva yudhi vartatām ||
Whether with missiles, with a mace, or even with bare arms in this great combat, O Rāma—fight in battle with whatever you are most practiced in.
Laughing at the words of Maka raksha who was speaking again and again Rama said.
The verse highlights the kṣātra ethic of direct contest: boasting is secondary to action, and one must rely on disciplined skill rather than mere words.
Makarākṣa challenges Rāma, urging him to fight using whichever mode of combat he is best trained in.
Martial readiness and confidence rooted in practice (abhyāsa), a key virtue in righteous warfare.