Shloka 6.114.118

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

Devanagari script

शास्त्रादृष्टेनविधिनामहर्षिविहितेन च ।।6.114.117।।तत्रमेध्यंपशुंहत्वाराक्षसेन्द्रस्यराक्षसाः ।परिस्तरणिकांराज्ञोघृताक्तांसमवेशयन् ।।6.114.118।।

Transliteration

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

Translation

In the manner enjoined by the śāstras and ordained by the great seers, the rākṣasas there slew a consecrated sacrificial beast and, for their king—the lord of the rākṣasas—set in place 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
• rākṣasendra (Rāvaṇa)
• paristaraṇikā
• ghṛta
• medhya paśu

FAQs

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

The same dharma as the preceding verse: ritual duty anchored in śāstra is upheld regardless of the turmoil of war.

What is the narrative situation?

A recensional repetition reinforces that the rites for Rāvaṇa are carried out according to authoritative tradition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Continuity of tradition: preserving correct practice (ācāra) even in crisis.