रावणस्य सभाप्रवेशः — रामस्य शरवृष्ट्या राक्षससेनाविनाशः (Ravana Enters Council; Rama’s Arrow-Storm Destroys the Rakshasa Host)
न तेददृशिरेरामंदहन्तमपिवाहिनीम् ।मोहिताःपरमास्त्रणगान्धर्वेणमहात्मना ।।।।
na te dadṛśire rāmaṃ dahantam api vāhinīm |
mohitāḥ paramāstreṇa gāndharveṇa mahātmanā ||
Though Rāma was burning their host, they still could not see him, for they were bewildered by the supreme Gandharva-weapon released by the great-souled one.
The Rakshasas got confused by the supreme missile presided over by Gandharvas, released by Rama, which was burning their army, and were not able to see.
Power in dharma is governed and purposeful: the astra is not random destruction but a means to subdue violent forces and prevent further harm.
Rāma deploys a high celestial weapon associated with Gandharvas, causing confusion; the rākṣasas cannot even see him while their army is being burned.
Mahātmatā (great-souled restraint) paired with mastery of astras—using superior means to end a dangerous conflict decisively.