Shloka 5.49.13

रावणदर्शनम् — Hanuman Beholds Ravana in Court

Devanagari script

मन्त्रिभिर्मन्त्रतत्त्वज्ञैरन्यैश्च शुभबुद्धिभिः।अन्वास्यमानं रक्षोभिः सुरैरिव सुरेश्वरम्।।5.49.13।।

Transliteration

mantribhir mantratattvajñair anyaiś ca śubhabuddhibhiḥ | anvāsyamānaṃ rakṣobhiḥ surair iva sureśvaram ||5.49.13||

Translation

Attended by ministers who knew the true principles of counsel, and by other keen-minded Rakṣasas, he looked like Indra himself surrounded by the gods.

Context

He was attended by ogres including ministers who were intellectuals and adept in counselling. He appeared like lord Indra attended by the gods.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (implied)
• Indra (Sureśvara)
• Sura (gods)
• Rakṣasas
• Ministers/Counsellors

FAQs

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

Outward resemblance to divine kingship is not equal to dharma; true sovereignty is validated by righteousness and protection of the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

The court is described as full of capable advisers and attendants, intensifying the impression of Ravana’s majesty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The narrative underscores the theme of ‘misused excellence’: capabilities and intelligence become virtues only when directed by dharma.