Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 5
निमित्तदर्शनम्
Portents Before the March to Laṅkā
मेघाःक्रव्यादसङ्काशाःपरुषाःपरुषस्वनाः ।क्रूराःक्रूरंप्रवर्षन्तिमिश्रंशोणितबिन्दुभिः ।।6.23.5।।
meghāḥ kravyādasaṅkāśāḥ paruṣāḥ paruṣasvanāḥ | krūrāḥ krūraṃ pravarṣanti miśraṃ śoṇitabindubhiḥ ||6.23.5||
Clouds, the color of raw flesh, roar with harsh and dreadful sounds, and pour down a terrifying rain mixed with drops like blood—an omen of impending ruin.
"Clouds resembling raw flesh in colour, are making harsh frightening sounds, and rain mixed with drops of blood."
FAQs
Dharma is implied through contrast: when adharma dominates, nature itself appears disturbed; the verse teaches attentiveness to moral disorder and its consequences.
As the conflict nears its climax, terrifying portents appear in the sky—ominous clouds and blood-like rain—signaling catastrophe around Laṅkā and the battlefield.
Vigilance and discernment: the righteous side must read signs soberly and remain steady rather than panic.
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