Shloka 1.20.16

राज्ञः शङ्का–प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20

Devanagari script

पौलस्त्यवंशप्रभवो रावणो नाम राक्षस:।स ब्रह्मणा दत्तवरस्त्रैलोक्यं बाधते भृशम्।।1.20.16।।महाबलो महावीर्यो राक्षसैर्बहुभिर्वृत:।

Transliteration

paulastyavaṁśaprabhavo rāvaṇo nāma rākṣasaḥ | sa brahmaṇā dattavaras trailokyaṁ bādhate bhṛśam || 1.20.16 || mahābalo mahāvīryo rākṣasair bahubhir vṛtaḥ |

Translation

There is a rākṣasa named Rāvaṇa, born in the lineage of Pulastya. Strengthened by a boon granted by Brahmā, he grievously afflicts the three worlds; mighty in power and heroic in valor, he is surrounded by many rākṣasas.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Pulastya
• Brahmā
• Trailokya (three worlds)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma is threatened when power gained through boons or might is used to oppress the world; the verse frames Rāvaṇa’s tyranny as adharma that righteous rulers and sages must oppose to protect cosmic and social order.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha explains to sage Viśvāmitra the scale of the rākṣasa threat, identifying Rāvaṇa as a boon-protected oppressor connected to the disturbances around sacrifices.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s conscientious kingship and caution—he assesses the danger realistically before consenting to send his young son.