Shloka 3.48.11

रावणस्यात्मप्रशंसा लङ्कावर्णनं च — Ravana’s Self-Praise and the Description of Lanka

Devanagari script

प्राकारेण परिक्षिप्ता पाण्डुरेण विराजता।हेमकक्ष्या पुरी रम्या वैढूर्यमयतोरणा।।।।

Transliteration

prākāreṇa parikṣiptā pāṇḍureṇa virājatā | hemakakṣyā purī ramyā vaiḍūryamayatoraṇā ||

Translation

The lovely city shines, enclosed by pale-white ramparts; its inner halls are of gold, and its gateways are set with vaiḍūrya gems.

Context

The beautiful city of Lanka shines with its pale white ramparts and golden interiors. The entrance gates are encrusted with vaidurya (cat'seye).

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• vaiḍūrya (cat’s-eye gem)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights worldly splendor used as temptation; the dharmic lesson is that external luxury is not a reliable measure of righteousness and should not override fidelity and right conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, having approached Sītā, begins to entice her by describing the magnificence of Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (implicitly), Sītā’s steadfastness is tested—her virtue is fidelity and unwavering adherence to dharma despite alluring displays.