Shloka 6.8.9

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

Devanagari script

ततोऽब्रवीत्सुसङ्कृद्धोवज्रदंष्ट्रोमहाबलः ।प्रगृह्यपरिघंघोरंमांसशोणितरूषितम् ।।6.8.9।।

Transliteration

aham eko vadhiṣyāmi sugrīvaṃ saha-lakṣmaṇam |

sāṅgadaṃ ca hanūmantaṃ rāmaṃ ca raṇakuñjaram ||6.8.24||

Translation

I alone will slay Sugrīva along with Lakṣmaṇa—Angada and Hanumān as well—and even Rāma, that great war-elephant.

Context

Then a mighty strong one who was endowed with diamond like teeth highly enraged, clasping a dreadful iron bludgeon stained with flesh and blood spoke.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• Aṅgada
• Hanumān

FAQs

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

It demonstrates adharma’s psychology: arrogant speech and violent intent replace truthful self-assessment. Dharma values satya (truthfulness) and humility; boasting of unjust killing signals moral decline.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s war-council atmosphere, a rākṣasa proclaims he alone can kill Rāma and the leading vā­nara allies, escalating the call to battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, Rāma is praised indirectly as ‘raṇakuñjara’—steadfast, formidable, and battle-worthy—suggesting disciplined strength rather than empty bravado.