Shloka 6.11.31

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

Devanagari script

नचुक्रुशुर्नानृतमाहकश्चित्सभापदोनापिजजल्पुरुच्चैः ।संसिद्धार्थास्सर्वएवोग्रवीर्याभर्तुस्सर्वेददृशुश्चाननंते ।।।।

Transliteration

tam āsthāya rathaśreṣṭhaṃ mahāmeghasamasvanam |

prayayau rakṣasāṃ śreṣṭho daśagrīvaḥ sabhāṃ prati ||

Translation

Mounting that finest of chariots, whose roar resembled a great thundercloud, Daśagrīva—foremost among the rākṣasas—set out toward the royal assembly.

Context

Those who assembled at the royal court neither made a little noise, nor uttered untruth, nor spoke. All of them were fully accomplished, very heroic and looked at their Lord's face.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva)
• Rākṣasas
• sabhā (royal assembly)
• ratha (chariot)

FAQs

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

The verse frames kingship and public action: a ruler moves toward the sabhā where decisions affecting many are made. Dharma here points to accountability—power is exercised in a public, deliberative space, not merely in private impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, after mounting his imposing chariot, proceeds to the royal assembly to convene or address his court in the context of the coming conflict.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Majesty and command (aiśvarya/tejas) are highlighted—though the broader epic later tests whether such power is aligned with dharma and satya.