Shloka 6.98.7

महोदरवधः (The Slaying of Mahodara)

Devanagari script

ततस्सकदनंचक्रेवानराणांमहाबलः ।भर्तृवाक्येनतेजस्वीस्वेनवीर्येणचोदितः ।।6.98.7।।

Transliteration

mahodaras tu saṅkruddhaḥ śaraiḥ kāñcanabhūṣaṇaiḥ |

ciccheda pāṇipādorūn vānarāṇāṃ mahāhave ||6.98.9||

Translation

But Mahodara, enraged, in that great battle severed the Vānaras’ hands, feet, and thighs with arrows adorned in gold.

Context

Thereafter, the mighty and brilliant Mahodara, in obedience to the word of the king, inspired by his own valour, went to fight with Vanaras.

Characters & Entities

• Mahodara
• Vānaras
• Arrows (śara)

FAQs

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

It underscores the destructiveness of krodha (anger) in war; Ramayana repeatedly treats uncontrolled rage as a force that deepens violence and suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Mahodara escalates the fight, wounding the Vānaras severely with decorated arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

From Mahodara’s side, martial intensity; ethically, the verse contrasts skill with the moral danger of anger-driven cruelty.