Shloka 5.18.6

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

Devanagari script

स सर्वाभरणैर्युक्तो बिभ्रच्छ्रियमनुत्तमाम्।तां नगैर्बहुभिर्जुष्टां सर्वपुष्पफलोपगैः।।5.18.6।।

Transliteration

īhāmṛgaiś ca vividhair juṣṭāṃ dṛṣṭimanoharaiḥ |

vīthīḥ saṃprekṣamāṇaś ca maṇikāñcanatoraṇāḥ ||5.18.8||

nānāmṛgagaṇākīrṇāṃ phalaiḥ prapatitair vṛtām |

aśokavanikām eva prāviśat santatadrumām ||5.18.9||

Translation

Observing the pleasing avenues and the archways set with gems and gold, he entered the Aśoka grove—dense with trees—teeming with many herds of animals, and strewn about with fruits fallen from the branches.

Context

Adorned with all ornaments and glowing with excellent splendour he went through thepath filled with trees flourishing with all kinds of flowers and fruits.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Aśokavanikā
• toraṇa (arches/gateways)

FAQs

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

The verse frames the approach to a dharma-violating act within a splendid setting, reminding that ethical judgment concerns intention and action, not grandeur.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa proceeds along ornate pathways and enters the Aśoka grove where Sītā is held.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, vigilance and discernment—since the scene prepares for Sītā’s steadfast dharma amid threatening circumstances.