Shloka 70
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः
The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle
वानरान्दशसप्तेतिराक्षसाजघ्नुराहवे ।राक्षसान्दशसप्तेतिवानराश्चाभ्यपातयन् ।।।।
vānarān daśa-sapteti rākṣasā jaghnur āhave |
rākṣasān daśa-sapteti vānarāś cābhyapātayan ||
En aquella batalla, los rākṣasas abatieron a los vānaras en la medida de “diez y siete”; y los vānaras, del mismo modo, derribaron a los rākṣasas en esa misma medida de “diez y siete”.
In that fight the Rakshasas killed the Vanaras at the rate of ten to seven and the Vanaras struck down Rakshasas at the rate of ten to seven.
FAQs
The verse highlights impartiality and accountability in war: loss occurs on both sides, reminding the listener that violence yields reciprocal suffering and that righteous war (dharma-yuddha) still carries grave consequences.
A summary count-like description of the ongoing battle in Laṅkā, indicating intense mutual casualties between the vānaras and rākṣasas.
Collective courage and steadfastness: both armies continue to engage relentlessly, showing endurance and determination amid heavy losses.