Shloka 6.98.28

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

जग्मतुस्तौश्रमंवीरौबाहुयुधेपरंतपौ ।अजहारतदाखडगमदूरपरिवर्तिनम् ।।6.98.28।।राक्षसश्चर्मणासार्धंमहावेगोमहोदरः ।

Transliteration

prakṣīṇaṃ tu balaṃ dṛṣṭvā vadhyamānaṃ valīmukhaiḥ |

babhūvāsya vyathā yuddhe prekṣya daivaviparyayam ||6.98.3||

Translation

Seeing his forces greatly diminished and being slain by the monkey-warriors, he was seized by anguish amid the battle, beholding the reversal of fate.

Context

Both being scourge of their enemies, both heroes wrestling were exhausted with fighting. Then the Rakshasa picked up a sword lying not far from there along with a shield.

Characters & Entities

• Vānara (monkey warriors)
• Rākṣasa army

FAQs

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

The verse underscores accountability in war: when adharma-driven aggression meets righteous resistance, one must face the consequences (karma) and the collapse of unjust power.

What is the narrative situation?

The battle turns against the Rākṣasas as the Vānara forces cut them down, and the opposing side witnesses its strength rapidly diminishing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and collective discipline of the Vānara warriors—acting effectively for a just cause despite the chaos of war.