Shloka 6.114.114

रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः — Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct

Devanagari script

प्रचक्रुःराक्षसेन्द्रस्यपितृमेधमनुक्रमम् ।।।।वेदिं च दक्षिणप्राच्यांयथास्थानं च पावकम् ।

Transliteration

pracakruḥ rākṣasendrasya pitṛmedham anukramam | vediṃ ca dakṣiṇaprācyāṃ yathāsthānaṃ ca pāvakam ||

Translation

Then, in proper sequence, they proceeded with the pitṛmedha rites for the lord of the rākṣasas—setting the altar to the southeast and placing the sacred fire in its rightful position.

Context

Then proceeding in sequence constructing an altar in the south-east and placing sacrificial fire in a proper place, they duly performed in honour of the ruler of Rakshasas.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasendra (lord of rākṣasas)
• Pitṛmedha
• Vedi (altar)
• Pāvaka/Agni (sacred fire)
• Dakṣiṇaprācī (southeast)

FAQs

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

Dharma is precise, rule-governed responsibility: correct sequencing, correct placement, and fidelity to sacred injunctions uphold social and cosmic order.

What is the narrative situation?

The officiants continue the funeral-sacrificial sequence, establishing the altar and fire according to Vedic directions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and reverence for śāstra—doing what is right in the right way.