Shloka 6.98.17
महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)
आविध्यतु स तंदीप्तंपरिघंतस्यदर्शयन् ।परिघाग्रेणवेगेनजघानास्यहयोत्तमान् ।6.98.17।।
āvidhya tu sa taṃ dīptaṃ parighaṃ tasya darśayan |
parighāgreṇa vegena jaghānāsya hayottamān ||6.98.17||
Whirling that blazing iron bar and displaying it to him, he struck with the bar’s tip and tremendous force, felling Mahodara’s finest horses.
Sugriva, picking up that glowing iron bar, exhibiting its top, whirling it around, struck the best of horses of Mahodara.
In dharmic combat, disabling the enemy’s mobility can be a strategic act to reduce harm and gain control, rather than indiscriminate slaughter.
Sugrīva uses a parigha to strike Mahodara’s horses, crippling his chariot’s movement.
Strategic courage—Sugrīva targets the opponent’s tactical advantage (the chariot team).