Shloka 6.98.24

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

स तमुद्यम्यचिक्षेपसोऽऽप्यन्यांव्याक्षिपद्गदाम् ।भिन्नावन्योन्यमासाद्यपेततुद्दरणीतले ।।6.98.24।।

Transliteration

tato bhagna-praharaṇau muṣṭibhyāṁ tau samīyatuḥ |

tejo-bala-samāviṣṭau dīptāv iva hutāśanau ||6.98.25||

Translation

Thereafter, their weapons broken, the two closed in with their fists—filled with might and fiery energy, like two blazing fires.

Context

Sugriva took up the steel club and hurled at Mahodara who took another mace and hit back. Both collided with each other and shattered; they fell down on the surface of the earth.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Mahodara

FAQs

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

When external supports fail, resolve remains; dharma is shown as steadfast commitment to one’s role (yuddha-dharma) rather than dependence on weapons or advantage.

What is the narrative situation?

With missiles and clubs destroyed, the duel transitions into close-quarters combat using fists.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Utsāha (indomitable spirit)—both continue the fight despite losing their arms.