Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 22, Shloka 9
सागरप्रशमनम् / The Pacification of the Ocean and the Building of Nala’s Bridge
तिर्यक्चसहानेक्षत्रैस्सङ्गतौचन्द्रभास्करौ ।भास्करांशुभिरादीप्तंतमसाचसमावृतम् ।।6.22.8।।चकाशेतदाकाशमुल्काशतविदीपितम् ।अन्तरिक्षाच्चनिर्घातानिर्जग्मुरतुलस्वनाः ।।6.22.9।।
tiryak ca saha nakṣatraiḥ saṅgatau candra-bhāskarau |
bhāskarāṃśubhir ādīptaṃ tamasā ca samāvṛtam ||
cakāśe tad ākāśam ulkā-śata-vidīpitam |
antari-kṣāc ca nirghātā nirjagmur atula-svanāḥ ||
The sun and moon, together with the stars, moved in an oblique course. Darkness spread so that even the sun’s rays were veiled; the sky shone, lit by hundreds of meteors, and from the mid-air burst forth thunderclaps of incomparable sound.
The Sun and moon moved obliquely (from south to North) along with the stars. On account of the darkness that covered even the sun was not shining. The sky lighted by the meteors shone and unparalleled thunder shot forth.
FAQs
Dharma is framed against cosmic order: disturbances in nature signal moral and political upheaval, urging vigilance and right action.
Portentous celestial phenomena—darkness, meteors, and thunder—appear as ominous signs before the impending conflict.
Alertness and discernment (nimitta-jñāna by context in the surrounding passage): recognizing signs and preparing to act rightly.