Shloka 4.35.15

तारोपदेशः — Tara’s Counsel to Lakshmana (Restraint, Time, and Mobilization)

Devanagari script

शतकोटिसहस्राणि लङ्कायां किल राक्षसाः।आयुतानि च षट्त्रिंशत्सहस्राणि शतानि च।।।।

Transliteration

śatakoṭisahasrāṇi laṅkāyāṃ kila rākṣasāḥ | āyutāni ca ṣaṭtriṃśat-sahasrāṇi śatāni ca ||

Translation

In Laṅkā, it is said, there are rākṣasas numbering “a hundred-thousand crores”, and further tens of thousands, thousands, and hundreds—an immense host.

Context

'The number of demons in Lanka is reported to be a hundred thousand crore, three lakh, ninetynine thousand and six hundred. (Note: Indian tradition has numbers up to eighteen digits. One hundred thousand crores is equal to a 'mahapadma' which has thirteen digits. The number described here is 1000000399600.)

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma includes truthful counsel and responsible strategy: one should not rush into action without understanding the scale of adharma’s power and preparing adequately.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā explains that Laṅkā’s rākṣasa forces are vast, implying the need for large-scale vanara support before engaging Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudent judgment—Tārā’s measured, reality-based advice to prevent reckless confrontation.