Shloka 6.79.3

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

वृक्षशूलनिपातैश्चशिलापरिघपातनैः ।अन्योन्यंमर्दयन्तिस्मतदाकपिनिशाचराः ।।।।

Transliteration

vṛkṣaśūlanipātaiś ca śilāparighapātanaiḥ | anyonyaṃ mardayanti sma tadā kapiniśācarāḥ ||

Translation

Then the monkeys and the rākṣasas battered one another—hurling down trees and pikes, and crashing rocks and clubs upon each other.

Context

Then monkeys as well as Rakshasas fought hurling trees and pikes and bringing down rocks and clubs physically hurting each other.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras (monkeys)
• Niśācaras/Rākṣasas
• Trees
• Pikes (śūla)
• Rocks (śilā)
• Clubs (parigha)

FAQs

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

The verse portrays collective struggle where dharma is defended by many, not only heroes. It also implies that force, when used, should be in service of protection and restoration of order rather than domination.

What is the narrative situation?

A broader battlefield tableau: vānara and rākṣasa troops fight with improvised and heavy weapons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sāhasa (boldness) and loyalty—vānara forces persist in dangerous close combat for Rāma’s cause.