Shloka 6.11.20

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसास्तद्वचश्श्रुत्वालङ्कायांपरिचक्रमुः ।।6.11.19।।अनुगेहमवस्थायविहारशयनेषुच ।उद्यानेषुचरक्षांसिचोदयन्तोह्यभीतवत् ।।6.11.20।।

Transliteration

rākṣasās tadvacaḥ śrutvā laṅkāyāṃ paricakramuḥ ॥6.11.19॥

anugṛham avasthāya vihāraśayaneṣu ca |

udyāneṣu ca rakṣāṃsi codayanto hyabhītavat ॥6.11.20॥

Translation

Hearing those words, the rākṣasas moved about in Laṅkā. Stationing themselves house by house—also in places of recreation, in sleeping-quarters, and in the gardens—they fearlessly urged on their fellow rākṣasas.

Context

Those Rakshasas having heard the words spoken by Ravana went to places of recreation, bedrooms and gardens and went round without fear into every house directing the Rakshasas.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Rākṣasas
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

What does this verse indicate about the rākṣasas’ conduct after hearing Rāvaṇa’s command?

It shows organized, fearless mobilization: they take posts throughout Laṅkā—homes, pleasure-quarters, sleeping areas, and gardens—directing their forces to act promptly.

How can this verse be read through the lens of Dharma and Satya?

Narratively, it contrasts disciplined obedience to a ruler’s word with the ethical question of serving an adharma-driven cause; it highlights how truth (satya) and righteousness (dharma) depend not only on loyalty, but also on the moral legitimacy of what one is commanded to do.