अक्षवधः (The Slaying of Prince Aksha)
Sundarakāṇḍa Sarga 47
अबालवद्बालदिवाकरप्रभः करोत्ययं कर्म महन्महाबलः।न चास्य सर्वाहवकर्मशोभिनः प्रमापणे मे मतिरत्र जायते।।5.47.26।।
abāla-vad bāla-divākara-prabhaḥ karoty ayaṃ karma mahan mahā-balaḥ | na cāsya sarvāhava-karma-śobhinaḥ pramāpaṇe me matir atra jāyate ||5.47.26||
«Aunque aún es joven, obra como quien ya ha madurado; resplandeciente como el sol naciente y dotado de gran fuerza, realiza hazañas inmensas. Y puesto que brilla en toda obra de guerra, mi mente aquí no se inclina a destruirlo.»
'He (Aksha) is like the radiant, rising Sun with extraordinary might. He is accomplishing great deeds unlike young warriors of his age and is exhibiting a magnificent feat. He knows all means of fighting. I do not feel like cutting him to size. My mind does not allow me to kill this boy.
Dharma in warfare includes moral hesitation and compassion: even amid conflict, Hanumān recognizes youth and merit, and truthfully admits his reluctance to kill a capable young prince.
In the midst of the duel, Hanumān inwardly evaluates Akṣa’s brilliance and considers whether killing him is necessary.
Compassionate discernment—Hanumān’s strength is tempered by ethical reflection and respect for a worthy (and young) opponent.