Shloka 13

रावणस्य सभाप्रवेशः

Ravana Enters the Royal Assembly and Summons Counsel

Devanagari script

तेकृताञ्जलयस्सर्वेरथस्थंपृथिवीस्थिताः ।राक्षसाराक्षसश्रेष्ठंशिरोभिस्तंववन्दिरे ।।।।

Transliteration

te kṛtāñjalayaḥ sarve rathasthaṃ pṛthivīsthitāḥ | rākṣasā rākṣasaśreṣṭhaṃ śirobhis taṃ vavandire ||

Translation

Sie alle standen auf der Erde, die Hände im Añjali gefaltet, während er auf dem Wagen blieb; und die Rākṣasas verneigten sich mit gesenkten Häuptern vor dem Vornehmsten unter ihnen.

Word by Word

तेthey

कृताञ्जलयःwith folded palms

सर्वेall

रथस्थम्seated in the chariot

पृथिवीस्थिताःstanding on the ground

राक्षसाःRakshasas

राक्षसश्रेष्ठम्the foremost of Rakshasas

शिरोभिःwith (their) heads

तम्him

ववन्दिरेsaluted/bowed to

Context

Then as the conqueror of foes, an exceptionally splendid one, Ravana was praised by the Rakshasas saying, "Victory to you, Prosperity to you", Ravana entered the wellbuilt royal court.

Characters & Entities

Rāvaṇa

Rākṣasas

Laṅkā (implied setting)

FAQs

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

Social order and protocol (maryādā) are shown through respectful salutation; the Ramayana often contrasts correct outward etiquette with the need for inner dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is publicly received; the rākṣasas show submission and loyalty by bowing and folding their hands.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective discipline and loyalty among the rākṣasas—though loyalty without dharma can support adharma.