Shloka 3.32.8

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

Devanagari script

विंशद्भुजं दशग्रीवं दर्शनीयपरिच्छदम्।विशालवक्षसं वीरं राजलक्षण शोभितम्।।।।

Transliteration

snigdha-vaiḍūrya-saṅkāśaṃ tapta-kāñcana-kuṇḍalam | subhujaṃ śukla-daśanaṃ mahāsyaṃ parvatopamam ||

Translation

With gleaming luster like polished vaiḍūrya, wearing burnished golden earrings, strong-armed, white-toothed, and wide-mouthed, he seemed mountain-like in presence.

Context

Valiant Ravana had an attractive appearance with beautiful dresses twenty arms,ten heads, a broad chest and brilliant royal marks.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vaiḍūrya (gem)
• Golden earrings

FAQs

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

The verse supports a recurring Ramayana lesson: beauty, ornament, and impressiveness can mask adharma; discernment must rest on satya (truthfulness) and conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator continues the visual portrait of Rāvaṇa’s imposing, ornamented form.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Physical magnificence is emphasized rather than virtue—creating contrast with the Ramayana’s ideal of inner nobility grounded in dharma.