Shloka 5.18.19

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

Devanagari script

स च कामपराधीन: पतिस्तासां महाबलः।सीतासक्तमना मन्दो मन्दाञ्चितगतिर्बभौ।।5.18.19।।

Transliteration

prayāntaṁ naiṛta-patiṁ nāryo madira-locanāḥ |

bahumānāc ca kāmāc ca priyā bhāryās tam anvayuḥ ||5.18.18||

Translation

As the lord of the rākṣasas went forward, the dear wives—eyes made heavy with drink—followed him, driven both by esteem and by desire.

Context

Their husband, powerful Ravana under the control of passion looking dull, absorbed in the thoughts of Sita walked slowly as though counting his steps.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (naiṛta-pati)
• Rāvaṇa’s wives

FAQs

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

It shows how kāma (desire) can bind followers to a leader; dharma requires that loyalty be guided by truth and righteousness, not merely passion or prestige.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa proceeds onward and his wives follow him, motivated by admiration and desire.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is discernment in devotion: respect should be aligned with right action, not with adharma.