Shloka 6.97.20

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

Devanagari script

गजात्तुमथितात्तूर्णमपक्रम्य स वीर्यवान् ।राक्षसोऽऽभिमुखश्शत्रुंप्रत्युद्गम्यततःकपिम् ।।।।आर्षभंचर्मखडगं च प्रगृह्यलघुविक्रमः ।भर्त्सयन्निवसुग्रीवमाससादव्यवस्थितम् ।।।।

Transliteration

gajāt tu mathitāt tūrṇam apakramya sa vīryavān | rākṣaso 'bhimukhaḥ śatruṃ pratyudgamya tataḥ kapim || ārṣabhaṃ carma-khaḍgaṃ ca pragṛhya laghu-vikramaḥ | bhartsayann iva sugrīvam āsasāda vyavasthitam ||

Translation

Then that valiant Rākṣasa swiftly dismounted from the wounded elephant, faced the foe, and advanced toward the monkey-chief. Seizing a bull-hide shield and a sword, quick in onset, he approached Sugrīva who stood firm—seeming to threaten him.

Context

That valiant Rakshasa hero jumped down quickly from the wounded elephant, seizing hold of a shield made of bull's hide and a sword, advancing towards the enemy who stood firmly, and facing him, as if threatening him.

Characters & Entities

• Virūpākṣa
• Sugrīva
• Elephant
• Shield (bull-hide)
• Sword

FAQs

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

Dharma is reflected through steadiness under threat: Sugrīva’s firm stance models resolve, while the opponent’s intimidation highlights how fear is used in adharma-driven warfare.

What is the narrative situation?

After his elephant is wounded, Virūpākṣa dismounts, arms himself with shield and sword, and directly closes in on Sugrīva.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness (dhairya) is emphasized by Sugrīva being “vyavasthita”—unshaken in the face of an armed advance.