Shloka 5.54.21

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

श्वसनेन च संयोगादतिवेगो महाबलः।कालाग्निरिव जज्वाल प्रावर्धत हुताशनः।।।।

Transliteration

pradīptam agniṃ pavanas teṣu veśmasv acārayat |

abhūc chvasanasaṃyogād ativego hutāśanaḥ ||

Translation

The wind drove the blazing fire through those houses; by its union with the wind, the fire became exceedingly swift in its spread.

Context

The wind-god's association made the fire spread at great speed. It appeared like fire at the time of dissolution.

Characters & Entities

• Wind (Pavana)
• Fire (Hutāśana)
• Laṅkā
• veśma (houses)

FAQs

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

Interdependence of causes: actions (even righteous ones) interact with conditions and can expand quickly; dharma includes awareness of collateral effects and proportionality.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration details the mechanics of the fire’s spread through Laṅkā’s dwellings as wind accelerates it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pramāda-rahitatā (alertness) is implied: a dharmic agent must remain mindful when powerful forces are unleashed.