Shloka 3.55.1

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

सन्दिश्य राक्षसान्घोरान् रावणोऽष्टौ महाबलान्।आत्मानं बुद्धिवैक्लब्यात्कृतकृत्यममन्यत।।3.55.1।।

Transliteration

sandiśya rākṣasān ghorān rāvaṇo 'ṣṭau mahābalān |

ātmānaṃ buddhivaiklabyāt kṛtakṛtyam amanyata ||

Translation

Having dispatched eight fierce and mighty rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa—his intellect perverted—considered himself as having already achieved his purpose.

Context

After ordering the eight most fierce and powerful demons, Ravana had a sense of accomplishment within himself because of his perverse intellect.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Eight rākṣasas

FAQs

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

True accomplishment is measured by righteousness, not by successful execution of harmful plans; distorted intellect mistakes adharma for victory.

What is the narrative situation?

After giving orders to eight powerful rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa feels self-satisfied, believing his aims are fulfilled.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

As a cautionary contrast: discernment (viveka) is the virtue missing; the verse depicts how moral blindness produces false confidence.