Shloka 6.98.18

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

तस्माद्धतहयावदीरःसोऽऽवप्लुत्यमहारथात् ।गदांजग्राहसंक्रुद्धोराक्षसोऽऽथमहोदरः ।।6.98.18।।

Transliteration

tasmād dhatahayaḥ vīraḥ so'vaplutyā mahārathāt |

gadāṃ jagrāha saṃkruddho rākṣaso'tha mahodaraḥ ||6.98.18||

Translation

Then Mahodara—the rākṣasa hero, his horses slain—leapt down from the great chariot and, enraged, seized a mace.

Context

Then the hero, Mahodara, his horses destroyed, jumped from the great chariot, and took hold of a mace.

Characters & Entities

• Mahodara
• Sugrīva
• Gadā (mace)
• Mahāratha (great chariot)

FAQs

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

Adversity reveals character: Dharma asks for steadiness and right intent; anger (krodha) is shown as a destabilizing force even amid bravery.

What is the narrative situation?

After losing his horses, Mahodara abandons the chariot and prepares to fight on foot with a mace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness and persistence—Mahodara continues combat despite tactical loss, though colored by rage.