Shloka 5.18.11

अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः — Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove

Devanagari script

दीपिकाः काञ्चनीः काश्चिज्जगृहुस्तत्र योषितः।वालव्यजनहस्ताश्च तालवृन्तानि चापराः।।5.18.11।।

Transliteration

dīpikāḥ kāñcanīḥ kāścij jagṛhus tatra yoṣitaḥ |

vālavyajanahastāś ca tālavṛntāni cāparāḥ ||

Translation

There, some women held golden lamps; some carried yak-tail fans in their hands, while others bore palm-leaf fans.

Context

Some women carried golden lamps, some held yalk tail fans in their hands while others bore palm-leaf fans.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (implied by context)
• Women attendants
• Golden lamps
• Yak-tail fans (cāmara)
• Palm-leaf fans

FAQs

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

Ethically, it underscores a Ramayana motif: external luxury is morally neutral; Dharma depends on truthful, restrained action rather than ornamented surroundings.

What is the narrative situation?

The attendants around Rāvaṇa are described as they carry lamps and fans while moving with him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

No direct virtue is taught; the focus is descriptive, setting a scene that later contrasts with Sītā’s austerity and steadfast Satya.