Shloka 6.79.4

मकराक्षवधः (The Slaying of Makarākṣa)

Devanagari script

शक्तिखडगगदाकुन्तैस्तोमरैश्चनिशाचराः ।पट्टसैर्भिण्ढिपालैश्चबाणपातैःसमन्ततः ।।।।पाशमुद्गरदण्डैश्चनिखातैश्चापरेस्तथा ।कदनंकपिसिंहानांचक्रुस्तेरजनीचराः ।।।।

Transliteration

śakti-khaḍga-gadā-kuntais tomaraiś ca niśācarāḥ | paṭṭasair bhiṇḍipālaiś ca bāṇa-pātaiḥ samantataḥ | pāśa-mudgara-daṇḍaiś ca nikhātaiś cāpare tathā | kadanaṁ kapi-siṁhānāṁ cakrus te rajanīcarāḥ ||

Translation

Hurling javelins, swords, maces, spears and lances—along with short blades, bhiṇḍipālas, showers of arrows, nooses, mallets, staffs, and other weapons—the night-rangers wrought slaughter among the lion-like monkeys on every side.

Context

Those prowlers, then ight rangers discharging javelins, swords, maces, spears, lances, small swords, bhindi Palas, shafts, nooses, mallets and staff and other weapons on the lions among the monkeys, caused destruction.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasas (niśācara/rajanīcara)
• vānaras (kapi-siṁha)
• weapons: śakti, khaḍga, gadā, kunta, tomara, paṭṭasa, bhiṇḍipāla, bāṇa, pāśa, mudgara, daṇḍa

FAQs

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

The verse underscores why dharmic leadership is needed in war: unchecked violence causes widespread suffering, and the righteous side must act to protect allies and restrain tyranny.

What is the narrative situation?

Rākṣasas unleash a barrage of varied weapons, inflicting heavy casualties among the Vānara warriors.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective courage of the Vānara forces is implied—standing firm despite overwhelming weaponry.