Shloka 3.23.35

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

सा भीमवेगा समराभिकामा महाबला राक्षसवीरसेना।तौ राजपुत्रौ सहसाभ्युपेता माला ग्रहाणामिव चन्द्रसूर्यौ।।।।

Transliteration

tato dhvajam upāgamya hemadaṇḍaṃ samucchritam | samākramya mahākāyas tasthau gṛdhraḥ sudāruṇaḥ ||

Translation

Then a huge, terrifying vulture flew up to the raised banner with its golden staff, seized the top of it, and perched there—an omen of impending calamity.

Context

The mighty, swift-footed army of valiant demons surrounded the princes (Rama and Lakshmana) all on a sudden like the planets around the Sun and the Moon.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē araṇyakāṇḍē trayōviṅśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the twentythird sarga of Aranyakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• vulture
• flag (dhvaja)
• golden flagstaff (hema-daṇḍa)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes alertness to signs of disorder and harm. The epic uses omens to urge vigilance and timely right action rather than complacency.

What is the narrative situation?

As conflict approaches at Jana-sthāna, ominous signs appear; a vulture perches on the banner, foreshadowing violence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and preparedness—reading the situation carefully and acting responsibly before danger fully manifests.