Shloka 3.35.9
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।।
viṁśad-bhujo daśa-grīvo darśanīya-paricchadaḥ | tridaśārir munīndra-ghno daśa-śīrṣa ivādrirāṭ || 3.35.9 ||
Ten-necked and twenty-armed, splendidly attired, an enemy of the gods and a slayer of great sages—Rāvaṇa appeared like a mountain-king with ten peaks.
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 frames Rāvaṇa’s might and splendor alongside his identity as an enemy of the gods and killer of sages, implying that power without dharma becomes adharma—strength used against the righteous leads to moral downfall.
The narration describes Rāvaṇa’s formidable appearance as he proceeds with his plan connected to the coming abduction episode, emphasizing his intimidating, adharma-driven persona.
No virtue is praised; instead, the verse highlights negative traits—pride and violent hostility toward sages and the divine order—serving as a warning about unrighteous power.