Shloka 6.98.2
महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)
स्वबलस्यविघातेनविरूपाक्ष्वधेन च ।बभूवद्विगुणंक्रुद्धोरावणोराक्षसाधिपः ।।6.98.2।।
gadā-parigha-hastau tau yudhi vīrau samīyatuḥ |
nardantau go-vṛṣa-prakhyau ghanāv iva sa-vidyutau ||6.98.19||
On the battlefield the two heroes advanced toward each other—mace and iron bar in hand—roaring like mighty bulls, like storm-clouds flashing with lightning.
The Lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, became doubly angry by the destruction of his army and fall of Virupaksha.
Dharma in war emphasizes courage aligned with purpose: the fighters meet openly in direct combat, reflecting the kṣātra ethic of confronting an opponent without deceit.
Sugrīva and Mahodara close distance and formally engage, depicted with vivid similes to mark the intensity of the duel.
Vīrya (valor) and steadiness under danger—both are presented as formidable, meeting face-to-face rather than retreating.