Shloka 6.114.117

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

Devanagari script

शास्त्रादृष्टेनविधिनामहर्षिविहितेन च ।।।।तत्रमेध्यंपशुंहत्वाराक्षसेन्द्रस्यराक्षसाः ।परिस्तरणिकांराज्ञोघृताक्तांसमवेशयन् ।।।।

Transliteration

śāstrādṛṣṭena vidhinā maharṣivihitena ca | tatra medhyaṃ paśuṃ hatvā rākṣasendrasya rākṣasāḥ | paristaraṇikāṃ rājño ghṛtāktāṃ samaveśayan ||

Translation

Thereafter, following the procedure taught in the śāstras and enjoined by the great seers, the rākṣasas slew a consecrated sacrificial animal and set in place for their king a spreading-cloth anointed with ghee.

Context

Thereafter according to tradition laid down in sastras by great Rsis, the ogres killed a cow and spread a sheet, daubed it with ghee and spread it on the body of the king of Rakshasa.

Characters & Entities

• śāstra
• maharṣi (great seers)
• rākṣasāḥ (rākṣasas)
• rākṣasendra (Rāvaṇa)
• medhya paśu (sacrificial animal)
• ghṛta (ghee)
• paristaraṇikā (ritual cloth)

FAQs

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

Dharma is adherence to śāstra-based duty: even an enemy-king receives rites conducted according to authoritative tradition, reflecting fidelity to rule over personal emotion.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasas proceed with the formal, śāstra-sanctioned steps of the obsequies for Rāvaṇa, preparing the ritual setting and materials.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā (respect for established boundaries and norms): the community maintains ritual law and order after a catastrophic war.