Shloka 29
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः
The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle
अश्वंमुक्तंगजोदृष्टवाक्वचिद्भीतोऽपसर्पति ।भीतोभीतंगजंदृष्टवाक्वचिदश्वोनिवर्तते ।।।।
aśvaṃ muktaṃ gajo dṛṣṭvā kvacid bhīto 'pasarpati |
bhīto bhītaṃ gajaṃ dṛṣṭvā kvacid aśvo nivartate ||
Di suatu tempat, seekor kuda yang dilepaskan, apabila melihat gajah, mundur menjauh kerana takut; di tempat lain, seekor gajah yang sudah gentar, apabila melihat kuda, berpaling kembali.
Some horses that were released, went in different directions afraid of elephants. Some elephants seeing horses ran away in fear.
FAQs
Dharma provides inner steadiness; when fear dominates, even natural hierarchies and trained instincts collapse. The verse illustrates how adharma-driven conflict produces pervasive insecurity.
As fire and panic spread, horses and elephants—released—scatter in mutual fear, worsening confusion in the city.
Courage (dhairya) is emphasized by contrast: the scene of fear highlights the need for steadiness and disciplined action in crisis.