Shloka 5.6.13

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

Devanagari script

समुद्रमिव गम्भीरं समुद्रमिव निस्स्वनम्।महात्मनो महाद्वेश्म महारत्नपरिच्छदम्।।।।महारत्नसमाकीर्णं ददर्श स महाकपिः।

Transliteration

samudram iva gambhīraṃ samudram iva nissvanam |

mahātmano mahādveśma mahāratnaparicchadam ||5.6.13||

mahāratnasamākīrṇaṃ dadarśa sa mahākapiḥ |

Translation

Deep as the sea and resounding as the sea, the great monkey beheld the vast mansion of that great one, adorned with superb gems and filled with precious treasures.

Context

The place produced deep sounds like the sea. Those mighty ogres wore gemstudded ornaments. The great vanara saw the residence of the great self, Ravana rich with precious gems.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa (by epithet mahātmā in the verse’s diction)
• Rāvaṇa’s mansion
• gems/ratnas

FAQs

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

The verse underscores a Ramayana lesson: magnitude (gambhīratā) and wealth (ratna) can mask unrighteousness; dharma is rooted in truth and right conduct, not in opulence.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, continuing his search, reaches and observes the immense, sea-resounding, gem-laden mansion associated with Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and focus amid distraction—Hanumān remains mission-centered despite overwhelming splendor.