Shloka 3.35.10
मारीचाश्रमगमनम् (Ravana’s Journey to Maricha’s Hermitage)
स श्वेतवालव्यजनः श्वेतच्छत्रो दशाननः।स्निग्धवैदूर्यसंकाश स्तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलः।।3.35.8।।विंशद्भुजो दशग्रीवो दर्शनीयपरिच्छदः।त्रिदशारिर्मुनीन्द्रघ्नो दशशीर्ष इवाद्रिराट्।।3.35.9।।कामगं रथमास्थाय शुशुभे राक्षसेश्वरः।विद्युन्मण्डलवान्मेघस्सबलाक इवाम्बरे।।3.35.10।।
kāmagam ratham āsthāya śuśubhe rākṣaseśvaraḥ |
vidyunmaṇḍalavān meghaḥ sabalāka ivāmbare ||3.35.10||
Mounting his wish-moving chariot, the lord of the rākṣasas shone forth—like a cloud in the sky, ringed with lightning and accompanied by cranes.
Ravana, enemy of the gods, slayer of towering sages, with white yaktail fans, and white parasols, shining like smooth vaidurya, wearing pure gold earrings, clad in attractive attire, ten necks with twenty strong hands, ten heads looking like ten mountain peaks, a cloud in the sky encircled by lightnings and accompanied by cranes, ascended the chariot that could go wherever he desired.
The verse implicitly contrasts outer splendor with inner righteousness: dazzling power and magnificence can mask adharma. In the Ramayana’s ethical frame, true worth is measured not by radiance or might, but by restraint, justice, and alignment with dharma.
Rāvaṇa is depicted in motion, having mounted a chariot that can travel by mere desire, appearing brilliant in the sky like a lightning-wreathed cloud—setting the scene for his ominous approach and the unfolding conflict.
No virtue is celebrated here; rather, the focus is on formidable charisma and power. The epic uses such imagery to heighten dramatic tension and to remind readers that power without dharma becomes dangerous.