Shloka 6.98.36

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

विषण्णवदनास्सर्वेराक्षसादीनचेतसः ।।6.98.36।।विद्रवन्तिततस्सर्वेभयवित्रस्तचेतसः ।

Transliteration

viṣaṇṇavadanāḥ sarve rākṣasā dīnacetasaḥ |

vidravanti tatas sarve bhayavitrastacetasaḥ ||6.98.36||

Translation

All the Rākṣasas, their faces downcast and their spirits crushed, fled from that place—every one of them shaken in mind by fear.

Context

All the Rakshasas became dull and piteous with sad faces. Out of fear they ran.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

When a cause lacks truth (satya) and righteousness (dharma), inner confidence collapses; fear overtakes those whose actions are not ethically grounded.

What is the narrative situation?

Following Mahodara’s fall, the Rākṣasa troops become demoralized and flee in panic.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the implied virtue is moral courage on the righteous side—steadiness that causes the unjust to lose heart.