Shloka 6.97.11

सप्तनवतितमः सर्गः (Yuddha Kāṇḍa 97): Sugrīva’s Onslaught and the Fall of Virūpākṣa

Devanagari script

राक्षसानामनीकेषुशैलवर्षंववर्ष ह ।अश्मवर्षंयथामेघःपक्षिसङ्घेषुकानने ।।।।

Transliteration

rākṣasānām anīkeṣu śailavarṣaṃ vavarṣa ha | aśmavarṣaṃ yathā meghaḥ pakṣisaṅgheṣu kānane ||6.97.11||

Translation

Into the rākṣasa battle-ranks he rained a shower of rocks, as a cloud rains a hail of stones upon flocks of birds in a forest.

Context

Just as clouds shower hail stones on flocks of birds in the forest, Sugriva rained showers of rocks on the Rakshasas.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• rākṣasas
• forest (kānana)
• cloud (megha)

FAQs

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

The epic frames force as legitimate when used in a dharmic campaign: power is portrayed as an instrument supporting justice, not mere cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva hurls boulders in mass, overwhelming the rākṣasa ranks.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic vigor—using the vānara mode of combat (rocks, mountains) effectively in battle.