Shloka 6.104.21

रावणशूलप्रक्षेपः — Ravana Hurls the Trident; Rama Counters with Indra’s Javelin

Devanagari script

तद्रावणकरान्मुक्तंविद्युन्मालासमावृतम् ।अष्टघण्टंमहानादंवियद्गतमशोभत ।।।।

Transliteration

tad rāvaṇakarān muktaṃ vidyun-mālā-samāvṛtam | aṣṭaghaṇṭaṃ mahānādaṃ viyad-gatam aśobhata ||

Translation

Released from Ravana’s hand, that trident blazed—wreathed in garlands of lightning; bearing eight bells and roaring mightily, it shone as it sped through the sky.

Context

The trident discharged from Ravana's hand, made circles of lightning, and covered the atmosphere with its glow and shine along with eight bells making loud sounds.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• śūla (trident)
• vidyut (lightning)
• viyat (sky)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is implied through discernment: dazzling power and terrifying display are not proofs of righteousness. The epic repeatedly teaches that moral truth (satya) and rightful conduct, not spectacle, determine victory.

What is the narrative situation?

The thrown trident is described in vivid, cosmic imagery as it travels through the air toward Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s forthcoming self-control is prepared for: the verse sets up a test where calm judgment must meet overwhelming force.