Shloka 5.18.22

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

Devanagari script

दीपिकाभिरनेकाभिः समन्तादवभासितम्।गन्धतैलावसिक्ताभिर्ध्रियमाणाभिरग्रतः।।5.18.22।।

Transliteration

atha maṅgalavāditraśabdaiḥ śrutimanoharaiḥ |

prābudhyata mahābāhur daśagrīvo mahābalaḥ || 5.18.3 ||

Translation

Then the mighty, strong-armed Ten-necked Rāvaṇa was awakened by the auspicious music—sounds that were pleasing to the ear and mind.

Context

Hanuman saw him in the glow of lamps wet with fragrant oil carried by many she-demons all over.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva)

FAQs

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

The verse indirectly contrasts outer auspiciousness (maṅgala music) with inner character: Dharma is not established by ceremonial grandeur, but by righteous conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is roused from sleep by auspicious instrumental music, setting the scene for Hanumān’s covert observation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a virtue of Rāvaṇa, but the narrative setup highlights attentiveness and timing—conditions that allow Hanumān’s disciplined mission to proceed.