Shloka 5.18.2

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

Devanagari script

षडङ्गवेदविदुषां क्रतुप्रवरयाजिनाम्।शुश्राव ब्रह्मघोषांश्च स विरात्रे ब्रह्मरक्षसाम्।।5.18.2।।

Transliteration

sa ca kāma-parādhīnaḥ patis tāsāṁ mahābalaḥ |

sītā-sakta-manā mando mandāñcita-gatir babhau ||5.18.19||

Translation

And their husband—mighty though he was—appeared dulled, enslaved by desire, his mind fixed on Sītā, moving slowly with measured steps.

Context

At dawn sounds of recitation of Vedas and the six auxillary sciences, (i.e .grammar, prosody, etymology, phonetics, astronomy and the science of rituals) by the brahmins among demons well-versed in performing exalted sacrificial ceremonies were heard.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

It teaches that power without self-mastery collapses into weakness; dharma requires control over desire, while obsession leads away from satya and right judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is portrayed in motion, yet psychologically impaired—preoccupied with Sītā and governed by passion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The highlighted (by contrast) virtue is self-control; the epic frames uncontrolled kāma as a cause of downfall.