Shloka 6.79.34

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

तमापतन्तंज्वलितंखरपुत्रकराच्च्युतम् ।।।।बाणैत्रिभिराकाशेशूलंचिच्छेदराघवः ।

Transliteration

tam āpatantaṁ jvalitaṁ kharaputra-karāc cyutam | bāṇais tribhir ākāśe śūlaṁ ciccheda rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

Rāghava cleft in mid-air, with three arrows, the blazing pike that had been hurled from the hand of Khara’s son as it came flying toward him.

Context

Raghava split with his three arrows the burning pike released from the hand of Khara's son while it was still flying in the sky.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Khara’s son (Makarākṣa by context)
• śūla (pike)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is protective righteousness: Rāma uses measured, skillful force to neutralize a lethal threat, safeguarding the just cause and his allies without needless excess.

What is the narrative situation?

In the Lanka war, Khara’s son (Makarākṣa) hurls a flaming pike at Rāma; Rāma intercepts and splits it in the sky with three arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and mastery (kauśala): Rāma’s swift, precise response demonstrates disciplined power guided by duty.