Shloka 6.97.3

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

Devanagari script

तेऽर्दितानिशितैर्बाणैःक्रोशन्तोविप्रदुद्रुवुः ।पावकार्चिस्समाविष्टादह्यमानायथागजाः ।।।।

Transliteration

te 'rditā niśitair bāṇaiḥ krośanto vipradudruvuḥ | pāvakārcis-samāviṣṭā dahyamānā yathā gajāḥ ||

Translation

Pierced and tormented by sharp arrows, they fled with cries of anguish—like elephants engulfed by tongues of fire, burning as they run.

Context

Tormented by sharp arrows, the scorched Vanaras fled screaming like elephants enveloped in flames.

Characters & Entities

• Vānara host
• Bāṇa (arrows)
• Pāvaka (fire)
• Gaja (elephants)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the human cost of war; dharma demands that force be used only for a just end, mindful of suffering it unleashes.

What is the narrative situation?

The Vānara troops are overwhelmed by arrow-fire and scatter in panic, compared to elephants burning in flames.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the need for dhṛti (steadfastness) and for leaders to restore courage and order amid chaos.