Shloka 5.18.14

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

Devanagari script

राजहंसप्रतीकाशं छत्रं पूर्णशशिप्रभम्।सौवर्णदण्डमपरा गृहीत्वा पृष्ठतो ययौ।।5.18.14।।

Transliteration

kācid ratnamayīṁ sthālīṁ pūrṇāṁ pānasya bhāminī |

dakṣiṇā dakṣiṇenaiva tadā jagrāha pāṇinā ||5.18.13||

Translation

Then one radiant woman, gracious in manner, took up with her right hand a jewel-studded vessel completely filled with wine.

Context

Another she-demon moved behind him holding an umbrella with a golden handle which was white like a royal swan and bright like the full-moon.

Characters & Entities

• wine (pāna)
• jewel-studded vessel (ratnamayī sthālī)

FAQs

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

The verse sets a contrastive backdrop: opulence and intoxication surround Rāvaṇa, implicitly opposing the Ramayana’s dharmic ideal of self-control (dama) and clarity (satya-aligned conduct).

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāvaṇa proceeds, attendants/women accompany him with luxuries; one carries a gem-studded container filled with wine.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, the virtue is temperance; the scene underscores how lack of restraint can accompany adharma and cloud judgment.