Shloka 5.27.25

त्रिजटास्वप्नवर्णनम् (Trijata’s Dream-Omens and the Rakshasis’ Reversal)

Devanagari script

गर्दभेन ययौ शीघ्रं दक्षिणां दिशमास्थितः।पुनरेव मया दृष्टो रावणो राक्षसेश्वरः।।5.27.25।।पतितोऽ वाक्चिरा रा भूमौ गर्दभाद्भयमोहितः।

Transliteration

rathena kharayuktena raktamālyānulepanaḥ |

pipaṁs tailaṁ hasan nṛtyan bhrāntacittākulendriyaḥ ||5.27.24||

Translation

He rode upon a chariot yoked to donkeys, adorned with red garlands and anointed with unguents; drinking oil, laughing and dancing—his mind bewildered and his senses disordered.

Context

"I saw the demon king Ravana running behind the chariot driven by donkeys in the southerly direction. He was falling with his head bent down and deluded by the fear of the donkey.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• ratha (chariot)
• khara (donkeys)

FAQs

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

Loss of self-mastery (indriya-nigraha) is shown as a mark of adharma. Dharma is sustained by disciplined senses and a clear mind.

What is the narrative situation?

Trijaṭā describes a grotesque dream-image of Rāvaṇa behaving irrationally, signaling ruin and dishonor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s inner steadiness is contrasted with Rāvaṇa’s disordered state; steadfast virtue remains composed amid threats.