Shloka 6.98.21

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

गदांतांसुमहाघोरामापततनींमहाबलः ।सुग्रीवोरोषताम्राक्षस्समुद्यम्यमहाहवे ।।6.98.21।।आजघानगदांतस्यपरिघेणहरीश्वर ।पपात स गदोद्भिन्नःपरिघस्तस्यभूतले ।।6.98.22।।

Transliteration

gadāṁ tāṁ su-mahā-ghorām āpatantīṁ mahā-balaḥ |

sugrīvo roṣa-tāmrākṣaḥ samudyamya mahāhave ||6.98.21||

ājaghāna gadāṁ tasya parigheṇa harīśvaraḥ |

papāta sa gadodbhinnaḥ parighas tasya bhūtale ||6.98.22||

Translation

In that dreadful clash, mighty Sugrīva—his eyes reddened with wrath—raised his iron bar and struck Mahodara’s onrushing mace. Shattered by the blow, the mace fell upon the earth.

Context

In that terrible conflict, seeing the mace broken and falling, mighty Sugriva, whose eyes turned red in anger, lifted up his iron bar, struck at the mace of the Rakshasa. The mace fell on the ground and broke into pieces.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Mahodara
• gadā (mace)
• parigha (iron bar)
• bhūtala (ground)

FAQs

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

Dharma in righteous warfare includes skill and measured response: Sugrīva meets force with force in open combat, protecting his side without treachery.

What is the narrative situation?

Mahodara’s thrown/charging mace is intercepted; Sugrīva counters with an iron bar, breaking the weapon and shifting momentum in the duel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s śaurya (heroic prowess) and presence of mind in battle—he times a defensive strike that neutralizes a lethal attack.