Shloka 3.31.6

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

Devanagari script

कालस्य चाप्यहं कालो दहेयमपि पावकम्।मृत्युं मरणधर्मेण संयोजयितुमुत्सहे।।3.31.6।।

Transliteration

kālasya cāpy ahaṃ kālo daheyam api pāvakam | mṛtyuṃ maraṇa-dharmeṇa saṃyojayitum utsahe || 3.31.6 ||

Translation

I am the Time that destroys even Kāla; I could burn even fire itself. I am able to bind Death (Mṛtyu) to the very law of dying.

Context

I am the destroyer of the destroyer (Yama). I can burn even that which burns (fire). Ican infuse Death with the characteristics of death itself.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Kāla (Time/Death)
• Pāvaka (Fire)
• Mṛtyu (Death)

FAQs

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

The verse functions as an ethical warning: claiming supremacy over cosmic law (kāla/mṛtyu) is delusion; dharma recognizes limits, accountability, and the higher order that even kings cannot override.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues his self-glorifying claims of invincibility, which motivates Mārīca’s later, more vivid deterrent metaphors about Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Again, the highlighted trait is a vice—overconfidence and hubris—presented as the seed of downfall.