Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 10, Shloka 6
विभीषणोपदेशः
Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana and the Catalogue of Omens
गन्धर्वाणामिवाऽवासमालयंमरुतामिव ।रत्नसञ्चयसम्बाधंभवनंभोगिनामिव ।।।।
gandharvāṇām ivāvāsaṃ ālayaṃ marutām iva | ratnasañcayasambādhaṃ bhavanaṃ bhoginām iva ||
It seemed like the dwelling of the Gandharvas, like an abode of the Maruts; packed with heaps of jewels, it was like the mansion of the pleasure-loving Nāgas.
(It was) like the abode of Gandharvas (the celestial musicians), like an abode of wind god, abounding in collection of precious gems, like the mansion of Nagas indulging in enjoyment.
FAQs
The verse underscores that wealth and celestial-like luxury do not equal dharma; the Ramayana repeatedly measures rulers not by opulence but by truthfulness, restraint, and protection of others.
The narrator compares the palace to divine and subterranean wondrous abodes to convey its extraordinary magnificence.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s integrity by implication: he will prioritize satya and dharma over the temptations represented by such splendor.