Shloka 5.18.27

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

Devanagari script

ताभिः परिवृतो राजा सुरूपाभिर्महायशाः।तन्मृगद्विजसङ्घुष्टं प्रविष्टः प्रमदावनम्।।5.18.27।।

Transliteration

avekṣamāṇas tu tato dadarśa kapikuñjaraḥ |

rūpayauvanasampannā rāvaṇasya varastriyaḥ || 5.18.26 ||

Translation

As he continued to look about, the mighty monkey beheld Rāvaṇa’s principal wives—women endowed with beauty and youth.

Context

Surrounded by beauties, the glorious king entered the grove meant for women, reverberating with the sounds of beasts and birds.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāvaṇa’s chief wives

FAQs

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

The verse supports the Dharmic idea of careful witnessing: one must see reality as it is, without prejudice, to act truthfully and effectively.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān surveys the inner palace-grove and notices the principal women around Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and observational discipline—Hanumān does not lose focus amid distraction.