Shloka 21
विप्लावितं स्वशिबिरं प्रतिस्रोत:सरिज्जलै: । नामृष्यत् तस्य तद् वीर्यं वीरमानी दशानन: ॥ २१ ॥
viplāvitaṁ sva-śibiraṁ pratisrotaḥ-sarij-jalaiḥ nāmṛṣyat tasya tad vīryaṁ vīramānī daśānanaḥ
Because he made the river flow against its current, Rāvaṇa’s camp was flooded; the ten-headed Rāvaṇa, proud of his own heroism, could not tolerate Kārtavīryārjuna’s might.
Rāvaṇa was out touring to gain victory over all other countries ( dig-vijaya ), and he had camped on the bank of the Narmadā River near the city of Māhiṣmatī.
FAQs
It indicates that Rāvaṇa, being proud of his own strength, became upset when he saw his opponent’s power—symbolized by the flooding of his camp—because his ego could not accept being challenged.
The verse highlights a key trait of his character: valor mixed with arrogance. His identity as a “great hero” becomes a source of intolerance and anger when someone else’s prowess appears superior.
When pride is wounded, we react with resentment instead of reflection. Cultivating humility and self-control helps one respond to challenges without anger or envy.