Shloka 6.98.34

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

निकृत्तशिरसस्तस्यपतितस्यमहीतले ।।6.98.34।।तद्बलंराक्षसेन्द्रस्यदृष्टवातत्र न तिष्टते ।

Transliteration

nikṛttaśirasaḥ tasya patitasya mahītale |

tad balaṃ rākṣasendrasya dṛṣṭvā tatra na tiṣṭhate ||6.98.34||

Translation

With his head cut off and fallen upon the earth, the host of the Rākṣasa king, seeing it, did not stand its ground there.

Context

Mahodara's head severed and fell on the ground. Seeing that Rakshasa king's army ran from there.

Characters & Entities

• Mahodara
• Rākṣasa army
• Rākṣasendra (Rāvaṇa, implied as king of Rākṣasas)

FAQs

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

Adharma weakens collective courage; when unjust leadership loses its champions, fear spreads—illustrating that moral grounding sustains resilience.

What is the narrative situation?

Mahodara’s death shatters the Rākṣasa side’s morale, causing the forces of the Rākṣasa king to falter and withdraw.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is steadfastness on the righteous side: decisive victories can protect the community by breaking oppressive momentum.