Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 80, Shloka 16
इन्द्रजितो यज्ञानुष्ठानं अन्तर्धानं च
Indrajit’s Rite and the Invisible Assault
सोऽभिनिर्यायनगरादिन्द्रजित्समितिञ्जयः ।हत्वाग्निंराक्षसैर्मन्त्रैरन्तर्धानगतोऽब्रवीत् ।।।।
so 'bhiniryāya nagarād indrajit samitiñjayaḥ | hutvāgniṃ rākṣasair mantrair antardhānagato 'bravīt ||6.80.16||
Then Indrajit, victorious in battle, went out from the city; after offering into the fire with rākṣasa-mantras, he passed into invisibility and spoke.
Indrajith who had acquired the power of being victorious in the wars departed, after uttering ritualistic verses which are known to Rakshasas only and making an offering into fire disappeared and bragged as follows.
FAQs
The verse contrasts proclaimed prowess with moral legitimacy: concealment and occult advantage raise questions of fair combat; Dharma in the epic favors transparent valor aligned with truth.
Indrajit leaves the city after rites, becomes invisible through rākṣasa-mantras, and begins a boastful declaration before attacking.
Cunning and confidence—battlefield mastery through secrecy and ritual power.