Shloka 26
रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः
Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply
श्रोणिसूत्रेण महता मेचकेन सुसंवृतः।अमृतोत्पादनद्धेन भुजगेनेव मन्दरः।।।।
śroṇisūtreṇa mahatā mecakena susaṁvṛtaḥ | amṛtotpādanaddhena bhujagen eva mandaraḥ ||
Fest umhüllt von einem großen dunklen Hüftgurt, glich er dem Berge Mandara, den die Schlange umschlang, mit der man den Ozean quirnte, um Amṛta zu gewinnen.
Wrapped well with a big black thread around his hips, he appeared like mount Mandara encompassed by a black serpent at the time of churning the milk-ocean for nectar.
FAQs
The simile reminds that immense power can serve creation (like churning for amṛta) or destruction; dharma determines its rightful use.
The narration continues describing Rāvaṇa’s imposing form through grand cosmological imagery.
Implicit teaching: power should be yoked to righteous purpose; otherwise it becomes merely intimidating spectacle.