Shloka 5.18.23

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

Devanagari script

कामदर्पमदैर्युक्तं जिह्मताम्रायतेक्षणम्।समक्षमिव कन्दर्पमपविद्धशरासनम्।।5.18.23।।

Transliteration

dīpikābhir anekābhiḥ samantād avabhāsitam |

gandhatailāvasiktābhir dhriyamāṇābhir agrataḥ || 5.18.22 ||

Translation

He was lit up on all sides by many small lamps, held before him by rākṣasī attendants—lamps anointed with fragrant oil.

Context

Hanuman saw him, who was possessed of lust, arrogance and intoxication. He appeared like Cupid setting aside his quiver and arrows with his curved, big, red eyes.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasīs (female demons/attendants)
• lamps (dīpikāḥ)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights how power surrounds itself with display; Dharma reminds one to judge by truth and conduct rather than by dazzling appearances.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān sees Rāvaṇa approaching, ceremonially illuminated by attendants carrying perfumed-oil lamps.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s vigilance and discernment: he observes carefully without being misled by spectacle.