Shloka 5.6.12

राक्षसेन्द्रनिवेशनविचारः (Survey of Ravana’s Residence and Lanka’s Inner Quarters)

Devanagari script

भेरीमृदङ्गाभिरुतं शङ्खघोषनिनादितम्।नित्यार्चितं पर्वहुतं पूजितं राक्षसैः सदा।।।।

Transliteration

bherīmṛdaṅgābhirutaṃ śaṅkhaghoṣanināditam |

nityārcitaṃ parvahutaṃ pūjitaṃ rākṣasaiḥ sadā ||5.6.12||

Translation

It rang with trumpets and drums, echoed with conch-calls, and was continually worshipped—offerings being made on festival and lunar occasions—ever honored by the rākṣasas.

Context

Reverberating with the sounds of trumpets, mridangam and conches, there the demons daily performed worships and sacrifices on new and fullmoon days.

Characters & Entities

• bherī
• mṛdaṅga
• śaṅkha
• rākṣasas
• Rāvaṇa’s residence

FAQs

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

It distinguishes ritual activity from moral legitimacy: frequent worship and ceremony do not themselves establish dharma if one’s actions violate truth and righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration depicts the palace as loud with instruments and conches and marked by constant worship and offerings performed by the rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ethical discernment: evaluating righteousness by behavior (satya, restraint, non-violence toward innocents) rather than by outward religiosity.