Shloka 6.11.4

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

Devanagari script

तमास्थायरथश्रेष्ठंमहामेघसमस्वनम् ।प्रययौरक्षसांश्रेष्ठोदशग्रीवस्सभांप्रति ।।।।

Transliteration

nānāvikṛtaveṣāś ca nānābhūṣaṇabhūṣitāḥ |

pārśvataḥ pṛṣṭhataś cainaṃ parivārya yayus tataḥ ||

Translation

Thereafter others, wearing many strange disguises and adorned with varied ornaments, moved on, surrounding him at his sides and from behind.

Context

The tenheaded Ravana, eminent one among Rakshasas climbed up that best of chariots that was making noise like the roaring sound of a huge cloud and went to assembly.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasa attendants (implied)
• ornaments (bhūṣaṇa)

FAQs

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

Outer display (veṣa, bhūṣaṇa) is contrasted in the Ramayana with inner truth (satya) and righteousness (dharma). The scene invites reflection: splendour and entourage do not guarantee moral legitimacy.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is escorted in a formal procession, surrounded closely by attendants as he goes toward/within the assembly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pageantry and protective vigilance by followers (though ethically neutral, it underscores royal power).