Shloka 6.98.37

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

महोदरंतंन्वििपात्यभूमौमहागिरेःकीर्णमिवैकदेशम् ।सूर्यात्मजस्तत्ररराजलक्ष्म्यसूर्यस्स्वतेजोभिरिवाप्रधृष्यः ।।6.98.37।।

Transliteration

uvāca ca samīpasthaṃ mahodaram arindamam |

asmin kāle mahābāho jayāśā tvayi me sthitā ||6.98.4||

Translation

Rāvaṇa spoke to Mahodara, who stood nearby and was hard for enemies to withstand: “At this moment, O mighty-armed one, my hope of victory rests upon you.”

Context

Just as a part of a huge mountain thrown down, an unassailable Mahodara, fallen on the ground, shone there like Lakshmi, just as the Sun shines by his own radiance.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mahodara

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the king’s reliance on a warrior’s duty in wartime—expecting steadfast service and courage. It also implicitly raises the ethical tension of loyalty to an unrighteous cause versus personal duty.

What is the narrative situation?

In the battle at Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa addresses Mahodara directly, assigning him a decisive role and expressing that victory depends on him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mahodara’s expected virtue is vīrya (valor) and steadiness under command; Rāvaṇa’s focus is on strategic dependence and command in crisis.