Shloka 5.18.24

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

Devanagari script

मथितामृतफेनाभमरजोवस्त्रमुत्तमम्।सलीलमनुकर्षन्तं विमुक्तं सक्तमङ्गदे।।5.18.24।।

Transliteration

kāmadarpamadair yuktaṃ jihmatāmrāyatekṣaṇam |

samakṣam iva kandarpam apaviddhaśarāsanam || 5.18.23 ||

Translation

He was steeped in lust, pride, and intoxication, his eyes long, crooked, and bloodshot—like Kāma himself standing near, having set aside his bow and arrows.

Context

He was playfully pulling up his upper garment that slipped and stuck to his armlet. This excellent unsoiled robe was looking like the foam of churned nectar.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Kandarpa (Kāma/Cupid)

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against kāma (unrestrained desire), mada (intoxication), and darpa (arrogance), which distort perception and lead to adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān visually assesses Rāvaṇa’s condition and demeanor as he approaches.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity through observation: Hanumān identifies the adharma-marked traits in Rāvaṇa without fear or fascination.