Shloka 3.31.35

अकम्पनवृत्तान्तः — Akampana Reports Janasthana; Ravana Plans Sita’s Abduction

Devanagari script

स रथो राक्षसेन्द्रस्य नक्षत्रपथगो महान्।सञ्चार्यमाणश्शुशुभे जलदे चन्द्रमा इव।।3.31.35।।

Transliteration

sa ratho rākṣasendrasya nakṣatra-pathago mahān |

sañcāryamāṇaḥ śuśubhe jalade candramā iva || 3.31.35 ||

Translation

That great chariot of the lord of the rākṣasas, moving along the star-strewn path of the sky, shone like the moon amid clouds.

Context

The great chariot of the demon king (Ravana) flying in the sky shone like the Moon in the cloud.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Chariot
• Sky (nakṣatra-patha)
• Moon (candramā)
• Cloud (jalada)

FAQs

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

The imagery cautions that beauty and grandeur can mask unrighteous aims; dharma requires discernment beyond appearances.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa’s aerial travel is described as he proceeds toward Mārīca’s hermitage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes magnificence and capability (power/majesty), not moral virtue.