Shloka 5.18.12

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

Devanagari script

काञ्चनैरपि भृङ्गारैर्जह्रुः सलिलमग्रतः।मण्डलाग्रान् बृसीश्चापि गृह्यान्याः पृष्ठतो ययुः।।5.18.12।।

Transliteration

kāñcanair api bhṛṅgārair jahrus salilam agrataḥ |

maṇḍalāgrān bṛsīś cāpi gṛhyānyāḥ pṛṣṭhato yayuḥ ||

Translation

Some went in front carrying water in golden pitchers; others followed behind, bearing round seats and woven mats.

Context

Some moved ahead of him carrying water in golden pitchers. Others followed him carrying circular couches (to be used as seats).

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (implied by context)
• Women attendants
• Golden pitchers
• Water
• Seats/mats (bṛsī)

FAQs

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

The scene reinforces that comfort and power are not proofs of Dharma; the Ramayana evaluates rulers by Satya and self-restraint, not by attendants and amenities.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa’s attendants prepare luxuries—water and seating—while accompanying him, as the narrative moves toward his encounter with Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, it highlights the coming contrast: Sītā’s virtue is inner steadfastness, not external comfort.