Shloka 6.8.8

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

Devanagari script

अस्मिन् मुहूर्तेगत्वैकोनिवर्तिष्यामिवानरान् ।प्रविष्टान् सागरंभीममम्बरंवारसातलम् ।।6.8.8।।

Transliteration

tato 'bravīt susaṅkṛddho vajradaṃṣṭro mahābalaḥ |

pragṛhya parighaṃ ghoraṃ māṃsaśoṇitarūṣitam ||6.8.9||

Translation

Then the mighty Vajradaṃṣṭra, burning with rage, spoke—gripping a dreadful iron club smeared with flesh and blood.

Context

At this very minute I will go alone into the terrific ocean, to the underworld or the upper world and on entering put an end to the monkey.

Characters & Entities

• Vajradaṃṣṭra
• Parigha (iron club)

FAQs

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

The imagery warns how anger readies one for brutality. Dharma stresses mastery over krodha (anger); otherwise strength becomes mere violence.

What is the narrative situation?

A named rākṣasa warrior rises in the council, visibly prepared for slaughter, signaling escalation toward battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negative emphasis: ferocity without moral discernment; true heroism in the Ramayana is strength governed by righteousness.