Shloka 26
Kuntī–Sūrya-saṃvāda: Autonomy, Reputation, and the Promise of Karṇa
स पुत्र निहतं ज्ञात्वा त्रासात् सम्भ्रान्तमानस: । रावण: शोकमोहार्तों वैदेहीं हन्तुमुद्यतः,उस समय घोड़ोंने उस ही खाली रथको लंकापुरीमें पहुँचाया। रावणने देखा, मेरे पुत्रका रथ उसके बिना ही लौट आया है। तब पुत्रको मारा गया जान भयके मारे रावणका मन उदभ्रान्त हो उठा। वह शोक और मोहसे आतुर होकर विदेहनन्दिनी सीताको मार डालनेके लिये उद्यत हो गया
sa putraṁ nihataṁ jñātvā trāsāt sambhrāntamānasaḥ | rāvaṇaḥ śokamohārto vaidehīṁ hantum udyataḥ ||
Markandeya said: When Ravana realized that his son had been slain, his mind reeled in panic. Overwhelmed by grief and delusion, he became intent on killing Vaidehi (Sita).
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that fear and grief can collapse discernment (moha), pushing a person toward adharmic retaliation—especially harming the blameless. Dharma requires restraint and right judgment even amid loss.
Ravana learns that his son has been killed. In panic and sorrow, his mind becomes unsteady, and he turns his anger toward Vaidehi (Sita), resolving to kill her.