Shloka 6.79.37

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

तंदृष्टवानिहतंशूलंमकराक्षोनिशाचरः ।।।।मुष्टिमुद्यम्यकाकुत्स्थंतिष्ठतिष्ठेतिचाब्रवीत् ।

Transliteration

taṁ dṛṣṭvā nihataṁ śūlaṁ makarākṣo niśācaraḥ | muṣṭim udyamya kākutsthaṁ tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt ||

Translation

When the night-ranger Makarākṣa saw his pike destroyed, he raised his fist and shouted to Kakutstha, “Stand! Stand!”

Context

The night ranger Makaraksha seeing his pike destroyed lifting up his fist said this to Kakuthsa, "Wait, wait."

Characters & Entities

• Makarākṣa
• Rāma (Kakutstha)
• śūla (pike)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the battlefield code where combatants directly challenge each other; dharma in war includes facing consequences of one’s aggression rather than attacking covertly.

What is the narrative situation?

Makarākṣa, angered by the loss of his weapon, openly challenges Rāma to stand and fight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

For Rāma implicitly: steadfastness; for Makarākṣa: boldness (though aligned with adharma in cause).