Shloka 3.48.23

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

Devanagari script

अपहृत्य शचीं भार्यां शक्यमिन्द्रस्य जीवितुम्।न च रामस्य भार्यां मामपनीयास्ति जीवितम्।।।।

Transliteration

yasya tat puṣpakaṃ nāma vimānaṃ kāmagaṃ śubham |

vīryād eva ārjitaṃ bhadre yena yāmi vihāyasam ||

Translation

He added: “O noble lady, by my valor alone I won that auspicious aerial car named Puṣpaka, which moves at will; by it I travel through the sky.”

Context

It may be possible (for some one) to live after abducting Indra's wife, Sachi, but it is not possible for any one to live after kidnapping the wife of Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Puṣpaka-vimāna
• Kubera (implicit)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the difference between rightful ownership and power-based seizure; Dharma condemns acquisition rooted in domination.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa showcases the Puṣpaka-vimāna to magnify his status and sway Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s loyalty (pativratā-dharma) is implied—material splendor cannot replace righteousness and marital fidelity.