Shloka 6.98.1

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

हन्यमानेबलेतूर्णमन्योन्यंतेमहामृथे ।सरसीवमहाघर्मेसोपक्षीणेबभूवतुः ।।6.98.1।।

Transliteration

hanyamāne bale tūrṇam anyonyaṃ te mahāmṛdhe |

sarasīva mahāgharme sopakṣīṇe babhūvatuḥ ||6.98.1||

Translation

In that great battle, as the armies swiftly destroyed one another, they seemed like lakes in the height of summer, their waters utterly diminished.

Context

In the major conflict, each one destroying the other army, it seemed like the mid-summer lakes totally lost its water.

FAQs

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

The verse warns that unchecked violence rapidly exhausts collective strength; Dharma requires restraint and right purpose in the use of force.

What is the narrative situation?

A general battlefield description: both sides are inflicting heavy losses, and the armies are becoming depleted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a single character virtue, but the implied value of prudence—recognizing the cost of war and the need for disciplined action.