Shloka 6.89.17

इन्द्रजित्–लक्ष्मणयोर् घोरः शरयुद्धः (Indrajit and Lakshmana’s Fierce Exchange of Arrows)

Devanagari script

नैवंरणगताःशूराःप्रहरन्तिनिशाचर ।लघवश्चाल्पवीर्याश्चशरासुखास्तवहीमे ।।6.89.17।।

Transliteration

naivaṃ raṇagatāḥ śūrāḥ praharanti niśācara |

laghavaś cālpavīryāś ca śarāḥ sukhās tava hīme ||6.89.17||

Translation

O night-roamer, true heroes engaged in war do not strike in such a manner. These arrows of yours are light and of little force—indeed, they feel almost pleasant.

Context

"O Night ranger! Heroes coming for war do not strike this way. These arrows are weak, so not painful but conducive."

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Indrajit (addressed as niśācara)

FAQs

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

It invokes yuddha-nīti: a warrior should fight openly and effectively, not with cowardly or improper methods. Dharma in war includes courage and straightforward engagement.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa mocks Indrajit’s attack, calling it unworthy of a true hero and belittling the arrows’ impact.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s fearlessness and morale-building confidence, sustaining righteous resistance under pressure.