Shloka 6.8.18

युद्धकाण्डे अष्टमः सर्गः — राक्षससभा-युद्धपरामर्शः (War-Council Boasts and Stratagems)

Devanagari script

एवंचेदुपसर्पेतामनयंरामलक्ष्मणौ ।अवश्यमपनीतेनजहतामेवजीवितम् ।।6.8.18।।

Transliteration

ākāśe gaṇaśaḥ sthitvā hatvā tāṃ harivāhinīm |

aśmaśastramahāvṛṣṭyā prāpayāma yamakṣayam ||6.8.17||

Translation

Stationed in the sky in companies, we shall strike down that host of vānara; with a mighty rain of stones and weapons we will send them to Yama’s abode.

Context

"When Rama and Lakshmana are distressed that way, they would certainly succumb to our cunning ways and give up life."

Characters & Entities

• Vānara army (harivāhinī)
• Yama
• Sky (ākāśa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is implicitly contrasted with ruthless aggression; the verse depicts intent to destroy indiscriminately, illustrating the mindset of adharma in war.

What is the narrative situation?

Rākṣasas threaten aerial tactics—attacking from the sky with showers of stones and weapons against the vanara forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic coordination is shown, but framed as misused capability when driven by cruelty rather than righteous protection.