Shloka 12

रावणस्य सभाप्रवेशः

Ravana Enters the Royal Assembly and Summons Counsel

Devanagari script

हेममञ्जरिगर्भेचशुद्धस्फटिकविग्रहे ।चामरव्यजनेतस्यरेजतुस्सव्यदक्षिणे ।।।।

Transliteration

hemamañjarigarbhe ca śuddhasphaṭikavigrahe | cāmaravyajane tasya rejatuḥ savyadakṣiṇe ||

Translation

Zu seiner Linken und Rechten glänzten zwei Yakschweif-Fächer: mit kristallklaren Griffen und mit goldenen Blütenbüscheln, die in ihrem Innern eingefasst waren.

Word by Word

हेममञ्जरिगर्भेin/with a golden-bouquet core

चand

शुद्धस्फटिकविग्रहेin/with a body/structure of pure crystal

चामरव्यजनेin the pair of yak-tail fans

तस्यof it/of him

रेजतुःthey two shone

सव्यदक्षिणेon the left and right (sides)

Context

Standing on the ground, all the Rakshasas bowing their heads down and with folded palms offered their salutations to the foremost of the Rakshasas seated in the chariot.

Characters & Entities

Rāvaṇa

cāmara (royal fan)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse highlights royal splendor (aiśvarya) as external power; Dharma teaching is implicit: true authority must be grounded in righteousness, not merely in display.

What is the narrative situation?

The poet describes the regal attendants and ornaments around Rāvaṇa as he proceeds in state.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a virtue but a motif: majesty and worldly power—setting contrast with Rama’s dharmic kingship.