Shloka 6.11.16

रावणस्य सभाप्रवेशः (Ravana Enters the Royal Assembly and Summons Counsel)

Devanagari script

सुवर्णरजतास्तीर्णांविशुद्धस्फटिकान्तराम् ।विराजमानोवपुषारुक्मपट्टोत्तरच्छदाम् ।।6.11.15।।तांपिशाचशतै: षङ्भिरभिगुप्तांसदाप्रभाम् ।प्रविवेशमहातेजास्सुकृतांविश्वकर्मणा ।।6.11.16।।

Transliteration

suvarṇarajatāstīrṇāṃ viśuddhasphaṭikāntarām | virājamāno vapuṣā rukmapaṭṭottaracchadām || tāṃ piśācaśataiḥ ṣaḍbhir abhiguptāṃ sadāprabhām | praviveśa mahātejāḥ sukṛtāṃ viśvakarmaṇā ||

Translation

Radiant in form, the mighty one entered that assembly hall—finely fashioned by Viśvakarman—laid with gold and silver, crystal-clear within, draped with gleaming golden silks, ever-luminous, and guarded by six hundred piśācas.

Context

Exceptionally splendid one, (Ravana) embodied with glowing body entered the royal court constructed by Vishwakarma, with pillars of gold and silver. Inside of the court was pure like crystal and carpeted with shining golden silk. It was very beautiful and ever shining and guarded by six hundred devils.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sabhā (royal court)
• Viśvakarman
• Piśācas

FAQs

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

A cautionary dharmic contrast: extraordinary wealth, craftsmanship, and protection can exist even in an adharma-aligned regime; dharma evaluates purpose and conduct, not mere grandeur.

What is the narrative situation?

The poem elaborately describes Rāvaṇa’s court and his entrance into it before issuing commands.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative power and resources—strength of state; the text implicitly invites reflection on aligning such strength with satya.