Shloka 6.98.4

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

उवाच च समीपस्थंमहोदरमरिन्दमम् ।अस्मिन्कालेमहाबाहोजयाशात्वयिमेस्थिता ।।6.98.4।।

Transliteration

evam uktaḥ tathety uktvā rākṣasendro mahodaraḥ |

praviveśārisenāṃ tāṃ pataṅga iva pāvakam ||6.98.6||

Translation

Thus addressed, Mahodara, a lord among the Rākṣasas, replied, “So be it,” and plunged into that enemy army like a moth into a flame.

Context

And then Ravana spoke to Mahodara who was close by, one who is difficult to encounter, saying " At this time the hope for my victory is centered in you."

Characters & Entities

• Mahodara
• Rākṣasas
• Enemy army (Vānara host implied)

FAQs

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

The simile warns about reckless commitment to a doomed or unrighteous course—courage without discernment can become self-destruction.

What is the narrative situation?

Mahodara accepts Rāvaṇa’s command and charges into the opposing forces, foreshadowed as perilous through the fire-simile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness and obedience; the verse also implies the need for viveka (judgment), since bravery alone may lead to ruin.