Shloka 6.100.30

रावण–रामयुद्धप्रारम्भः (The Intensification of the Rama–Ravana Duel)

Devanagari script

शरान्धकारमाकाशंचक्रतुःप्रथमंतदा ।गतेऽस्तं तपने चापि महामेघाविवोथतितौ ।।6.100.30।।

Transliteration

śarāndhakāram ākāśaṃ cakratuḥ prathamaṃ tadā | gate 'staṃ tapane cāpi mahāmeghāv ivothitau ||6.100.30||

Translation

Then, at the very outset, they turned the sky into darkness with their arrows; though the sun had set, it looked as if two vast storm-clouds had risen.

Context

Then the sky covered with darkness of arrows was like two huge clouds rising even though the Sun had set.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa
• sun (tapana)
• sky (ākāśa)
• clouds (megha)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is implicit: the duel is conducted as a formal kṣatriya battle, where prowess is shown openly in a face-to-face contest rather than through deceit.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Rāvaṇa begin exchanging such dense volleys of arrows that the sky appears darkened, like storm-clouds despite sunset.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial steadiness and disciplined valor—both combatants sustain an intense, ordered exchange characteristic of heroic warfare.