Shloka 3.32.14

अरण्यकाण्डे द्वात्रिंशः सर्गः — Śūrpaṇakhā’s Report to Rāvaṇa and the Panegyric of His Might

Devanagari script

कैलासपर्वतं गत्वा विजित्य नरवाहनम्।विमानं पुष्पकं तस्य कामगं वै जहार यः।।।।

Transliteration

kailāsaparvataṃ gatvā vijitya naravāhanam | vimānaṃ puṣpakaṃ tasya kāmagaṃ vai jahāra yaḥ || 3.32.14 ||

Translation

He went to Mount Kailāsa, conquered Naravāhana (Kubera), and by force seized his Puṣpaka aerial chariot, which moves wherever one wills.

Context

Ravana went to mount Kailasa, conquered Kubera and took away forcibly his aerial chariot Pushpaka which can fly as per the rider's desire;

Characters & Entities

• Kailāsa
• Naravāhana (Kubera)
• Puṣpaka-vimāna
• Rāvaṇa (implied subject)

FAQs

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

Legitimacy matters in dharma: conquest and seizure for ego or greed is contrasted with rightful rule; the Ramayana repeatedly frames usurpation as adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration continues listing Rāvaṇa’s notorious exploits, including taking the Puṣpaka-vimāna from Kubera.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bold initiative and martial dominance, presented as morally compromised when used for unlawful appropriation.