Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 57, Shloka 2
प्रहस्तनिर्याणम्
Prahasta’s Departure and the Muster of the Rakshasa Host
सतुध्यात्वामुहूर्तंतुमन्त्रिभिस्संविचार्यच ।ततस्तुरावणःपूर्वदिवसेराक्षसाधिपः ।।।।पुरींपरिययौलङ्कांसर्वगुल्मानवेक्षितुम् ।
sa tu dhyātvā muhūrtaṃ tu mantribhiḥ saṃvicārya ca |
tatas tu rāvaṇaḥ pūrvadivase rākṣasādhipaḥ |
purīṃ pariyayau laṅkāṃ sarva-gulmān avekṣitum ||
Rāvaṇa, lord of the Rākṣasas, reflected for a while and, after deliberating with his ministers, went out in the forenoon to tour Laṅkā and inspect all the military posts.
"Get the great Rakshasa army together with me to the battlefield speedily. By my arrows all the carnivorous birds will be killed and satisfied with the flesh (of Vanaras) today", said Prahastha.
FAQs
The verse highlights a ruler’s duty (rājadharma): thoughtful reflection, consultation with ministers, and responsible oversight of defenses rather than impulsive action.
Before major battlefield developments, Rāvaṇa assesses Laṅkā’s readiness by inspecting posts and detachments after consulting his council.
Administrative prudence and vigilance—strategic governance through deliberation and inspection.