Shloka 6.79.29

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

तःक्रुद्धोमहाबाहुर्धनुच्शिच्छेदरक्षसः ।अष्टाभिरथनाराचैस्सूतंविव्याधराघवः ।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kruddho mahābāhur dhanuś ciccheda rakṣasaḥ | aṣṭābhir atha nārācaiḥ sūtaṃ vivyādha rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

Then the mighty-armed Rāghava, enraged, cut the rākṣasa’s bow; and with eight steel-shafted arrows he struck the charioteer as well.

Context

Then broad shouldered Raghava was enraged and split the bow with eight steel arrows and the charioteer also.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Rākṣasa (Makarākṣa in immediate context)
• Bow (dhanuḥ)
• Charioteer (sūta)
• Nārāca arrows

FAQs

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

Dharma-yuddha values decisive action that ends harm. By disabling the enemy’s weapon system (bow, chariot support), Rāma moves to conclude the threat efficiently—though the striking of a charioteer also raises classical questions about battlefield codes and necessity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma turns the tide by cutting the opponent’s bow and also wounding the charioteer with eight arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śaurya (heroic decisiveness) and tactical clarity—neutralizing the enemy’s capacity to fight.