Shloka 17
महोदरवधः
The Slaying of Mahodara
आविध्यतु स तंदीप्तंपरिघंतस्यदर्शयन् ।परिघाग्रेणवेगेनजघानास्यहयोत्तमान् ।6.98.17।।
āvidhya tu sa taṃ dīptaṃ parighaṃ tasya darśayan |
parighāgreṇa vegena jaghānāsya hayottamān ||6.98.17||
Baginda memutar palang besi yang menyala itu, memperlihatkannya kepadanya; lalu dengan hujung palang dan daya yang dahsyat, dipukulnya kuda-kuda terbaik milik Mahodara hingga rebah.
Sugriva, picking up that glowing iron bar, exhibiting its top, whirling it around, struck the best of horses of Mahodara.
FAQs
In dharmic combat, disabling the enemy’s mobility can be a strategic act to reduce harm and gain control, rather than indiscriminate slaughter.
Sugrīva uses a parigha to strike Mahodara’s horses, crippling his chariot’s movement.
Strategic courage—Sugrīva targets the opponent’s tactical advantage (the chariot team).