Shloka 3.54.26

सीताहरणोत्तरं लङ्काप्रवेशः — Sita’s Abduction and Ravana’s Entry into Lanka

Devanagari script

जनस्थाने वसद्भिस्तु भवद्भीराममाश्रिता।प्रवृत्तिरुपनेतव्या किञ्करोतीति तत्त्वतः।।।।

Transliteration

janasthāne vasadbhis tu bhavadbhī rāmam āśritā | pravṛttir upanetavyā kiṁ karotīti tattvataḥ ||

Translation

While you dwell in Janasthāna, keeping watch on Rāma, you must bring me accurate intelligence—what Rāma is doing and how he is proceeding, in truth.

Context

While dwelling at Janasthana, all of you should collect exact information about the activities of Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Janasthāna
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse shows the power of information and truth (tattvataḥ, “accurately”). Ethically, truth is a value; however, its use here is instrumental—gathered to enable harm—highlighting that dharma depends on intention and application.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa instructs his forces to remain at Janasthāna and report precise details of Rāma’s actions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Operational discipline and attentiveness—again framed within an unrighteous objective.