Shloka 5.18.8

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

Devanagari script

ईहामृगैश्च विविधैर्जुष्टां दृष्टिमनोहरैः।वीधीः संप्रेक्षमाणश्च मणिकाञ्चनतोरणाः।।5.18.8।।नानामृगगणाकीर्णां फलैः प्रपतितैर्वृताम्।अशोकवनिकामेव प्राविशत्संततद्रुमाम्।।5.18.9।।

Transliteration

sa tām asitakeśāntāṃ suśroṇīṃ saṃhatastanīm |

didṛkṣur asitāpāṅgām upāvartata rāvaṇaḥ ||5.18.32||

Translation

Desiring to see her—dark-haired, fair-hipped, full-breasted, and with dark-lashed sidelong glances—Rāvaṇa turned back toward her.

Context

Watching the garden filled with trees, gateways ornamented with gold and gems, he entered through the pleasant pathways in the Ashoka garden. There were wonderful wolves and several herds of animals in the garden. Fruits dropped from trees were strewn all over.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates adharma through objectifying desire; dharma upholds respect, consent, and the sanctity of marriage—principles Rāvaṇa violates.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, intent on seeing Sītā, returns/turns toward her in the Aśoka grove.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By negative example, the virtue emphasized is reverence and restraint toward others—especially toward a protected, unwilling captive.