Shloka 5.18.15
अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः — Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove
निद्रामदपरीताक्ष्यो रावणस्योत्तमाः स्त्रियः।अनुजग्मुः पतिं वीरं घनं विद्युल्लता इव।।5.18.15।।
rāja-haṁsa-pratīkāśaṁ chatraṁ pūrṇa-śaśi-prabham |
sauvarṇa-daṇḍam aparā gṛhītvā pṛṣṭhato yayau ||5.18.14||
Another woman went behind, holding an umbrella with a golden staff—white like a royal swan and shining like the full moon.
The chief wives of Ravana with eyes dizzy with sleep and drinking followed their heroic husband like streaks of lightning follow a thunder cloud. (Ravana who was dark looked like a cloud and the women with dazzling golden complexion appeared like lightning.)
It illustrates the outward signs of sovereignty; the Ramayana repeatedly teaches that true dharma is not mere royal display but righteous conduct and protection of others.
Rāvaṇa is being attended like a king; an attendant follows behind carrying a splendid umbrella.
The implied virtue is humility and rightful kingship: royal emblems should reflect inner righteousness, not conceal wrongdoing.