Shloka 6.79.27

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

राममुक्तांस्तुबाणौघान् राक्षसस्त्वच्छिनद्रणे ।रक्षोमुक्तांस्तुरामोवैनैकथाप्राच्छिनच्छरैः ।।।।

Transliteration

rāmamuktāṃs tu bāṇaughān rākṣasas tv acchinad raṇe | rakṣomuktāṃs tu rāmo vai naikathā prācchinac charaiḥ ||

Translation

In the clash of battle, the rākṣasa cut down the volleys of arrows released by Rāma; and Rāma, in turn, shattered the missiles released by the rākṣasa in manifold ways with his own shafts.

Context

In the comb at Rakshasa split the arrows released by Rama and Rakshasa shattered the arrows released by Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Rākṣasa (Makarākṣa in immediate context)

FAQs

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

Dharma in warfare includes skill governed by purpose: defense of the righteous cause rather than cruelty. The verse depicts disciplined martial reciprocity—meeting force with appropriate counterforce.

What is the narrative situation?

A high-level exchange of missile warfare: each side intercepts and destroys the other’s arrow volleys.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśala (martial proficiency) and dhairya (composure): Rāma’s controlled, effective response rather than panic.