Shloka 6.114.120

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

Devanagari script

गन्धैर्माल्यैरलङ्कृत्यरावणंदीनमानसाः ।।6.114.119।।विभीषणसहायास्तेवस्त्रैश्चविविधैरपि ।लाजैरश्चावकिरन्तिस्मबाष्पपूर्णमुखास्तदा ।।6.114.120।।

Transliteration

dadau ca pāvakaṃ tasya vidhiyuktaṃ vibhīṣaṇaḥ | snātvā caivārdravastreṇa tilān dūrvābhimiśritān | udakena ca sammiśrān pradāya vidhipūrvakam | pradāya codakaṃ tasmai mūrdhnā cainaṃ namasya ca | tāḥ striyo 'nunayāmāsa sāntvam uktvā punaḥ punaḥ | gamyatām iti tāḥ sarvā viviśur nagarīṃ tadā ||

Translation

And Vibhīṣaṇa, in accordance with the prescribed rite, kindled the funeral fire for him. Having bathed and donned a damp garment, he duly offered sesame seeds mixed with dūrvā grass and water, and then offered water as well; bowing his head, he paid reverence. He consoled the women again and again, saying, “Return,” and then they all entered the city.

Context

Then the Rakshasas along with Vibheeshana desperately, eyes dimmed with tears, covered Ravana with several clothes and decorated with garland s and sandal. They sprinkled parched grain.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• pāvaka (funeral fire)
• tila (sesame)
• dūrvā (grass)
• udaka (water)
• Laṅkā (city)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the faithful completion of last rites and compassionate care for the bereaved; Vibhīṣaṇa unites śāstric correctness with humane consolation.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa conducts Rāvaṇa’s cremation rites—lighting the fire, making water and sesame offerings, saluting the dead—and then sends the grieving women back into Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s dharmic leadership: adherence to ritual truth (vidhi) and gentle compassion toward those in grief.