Gaváksha

Family: Vánars · Role: warrior · First appears: Book VI, Canto 4 · The March

In Book VI, Canto 4, Ráma assigns Gaváksha a place in the army’s march, describing him as a fearless leader “like the bull that leads the herd.” In Canto 59, Rávaṇ wounds him with arrows, and Gaváksha flees to Ráma for safety; he and other Vánars then charge the giant king.

In Canto 66, Angad calls Gaváksha and Kumud back when the Vánars begin to flee. They stop and form up for battle, obeying the prince’s will, but in Canto 67 Gaváksha cannot withstand Kumbhakarṇa’s blow.

Relationship record

Life events

• Ráma assigns the named warriors positions and roles in the army’s march.(Book VI, Canto 4 · The March)
  • With: Ráma Lakshmaṇ Hanumán Angad Gaja Gavaya Rishabh Gandhamádan Susheṇ Vegadarśí Jámbaván
  • “There be the hill-huge Gaja’s place, And Gavaya’s, strongest of his race, And, like the bull that leads the herd, Gaváksha’s, by no fears deterred Let Rishabh, matchless in the might Of warlike arms, protect our right, And Gandhamádan next in rank Defend and guide the other flank. I, like the God who rules the sky Borne on Airávat mounted high On stout Hanúmán’s back will ride, The central host to cheer and guide. Fierce as the God who rules below, On Angad’s back let Lakshmaṇ show Like him who wealth to mortals shares, The lord whom Sárvabhauma bears. The bold Susheṇ’s impetuous might, And Vegadarśí’s piercing sight, And Jámbaván whom bears revere, Illustrious three, shall guard the rear.”
• Rávaṇ wounds Susheṇ, Nala, Gaváksha, and Gavaya with arrows, driving them to Ráma.(Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally)
  • With: Rávaṇ Susheṇ Nala Gavaya
  • “Then smitten by the shafts that came Keen, fleet, and thick, with certain aim, They fled to Ráma, sure defence”
• Angad rallied the fleeing Vánars, who stopped their flight and stood for battle.(Book VI, Canto 66 · Kumbhakarna’s Sally)
  • With: Angad Nala Níla Kumud
  • “They heard his voice: the flight was stayed; Again for war they stood arrayed,”
• After fleeing again, the Vánars obeyed Angad and formed up to face the giant.(Book VI, Canto 66 · Kumbhakarna’s Sally)
  • With: Angad Nala Níla Kumud
  • “They turned and formed and waited still Obedient to the prince’s will.”
• Gaváksha cannot withstand Kumbhakarṇa's blow.(Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death)
  • With: Kumbhakarṇa
  • “Nor could Gaváksha’s strength withstand The force of his terrific hand.”

Book VI, Canto 4 · The March

• lord: Ráma “And, like the bull that leads the herd, Gaváksha’s, by no fears deterred”

Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally

• enemies with Rávaṇ “Susheṇ and Nala saw him fall, Gaváksha, Gavaya heard their call, And, poising hills, in act to fling They charged amain the giant king.”

Book VI, Canto 66 · Kumbhakarna’s Sally

• with Angad (Angad urges Gaváksha not to flee.) “O Kumud and Gaváksha, why Like base-born Vánars will ye fly?”
• enemies with Kumbhakarṇa “They heard his voice: the flight was stayed; Again for war they stood arrayed, And hurled upon the foe a shower Of mountain peaks and trees in flower.”
• lord: Angad “They turned and formed and waited still Obedient to the prince’s will.”

Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death

• enemies with Kumbhakarṇa “Nor could Gaváksha’s strength withstand The force of his terrific hand.”

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Extracted from the original text of The Rámáyan of Válmíki. Made with Rho MD.