Shloka 5.6.4

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

Devanagari script

रूप्यकोपहितै श्चित्रैस्तोरणैर्हेमभूषितैः।विचित्राभिश्च कक्ष्याभिर्द्वारैश्च रुचिरैर्वृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

rūpyakopahitaiś citrais toraṇair hemabhūṣitaiḥ |

vicitrābhiś ca kakṣyābhir dvāraiś ca rucirair vṛtam || 5.6.4 ||

Translation

It was surrounded by wondrous archways (toraṇas) inlaid with silver and adorned with gold, and by richly ornamented inner enclosures and beautiful gateways.

Context

He saw beautiful silver archways decorated with gold, colourful inner apartments with beauteous entrances.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman (contextual observer)
• Ravana (contextual, palace owner)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights that external beauty and wealth can surround a place, but dharma is measured by conduct; Hanuman’s truthful noticing without being misled models discernment.

What is the narrative situation?

Early in the sarga’s palace-description, the narrator details the ornate gateways and architectural defenses seen by Hanuman.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): appreciating detail while remaining oriented to the higher aim of dharma.