Shloka 3.48.15

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

Devanagari script

स्थापयित्वा प्रियं पुत्रं राज्ञा दशरथेन यः।मन्दवीर्यस्सुतो ज्येष्ठस्ततः प्रस्थापितो वनम्।।।।

Transliteration

sthāpayitvā priyaṃ putraṃ rājñā daśarathena yaḥ | mandavīryaḥ suto jyeṣṭhas tataḥ prasthāpito vanam ||

Translation

After King Daśaratha installed his beloved son as heir, his eldest son—deemed weak in prowess—was then sent away to the forest.

Context

Considering the eldest son a weakling, king Dasaratha has sent him away to the forest so that he could consecrate his dear son(Bharata).

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Bharata
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It shows the adharma of distortion: Rāvaṇa twists the truth of Rāma’s exile to manipulate Sītā. Dharma aligns with satya—faithful representation of events.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts to undermine Sītā’s trust in Rāma and his family by presenting a biased account of the succession and exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s virtue, though attacked here, is adherence to duty and truth; Sītā’s virtue is discerning truth amid propaganda.