Shloka 6.114.122

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

Devanagari script

ददौ च पावकंतस्यविधियुक्तंविभीषणः ।स्नात्वाचैवार्द्रवस्त्रेणतिलान्दूर्वाभिमिश्रितान् ।।6.114.121।।उदकेन च सम्मिश्रान्प्रदायविधिपूर्वकम् ।प्रदायचोदकंतस्मैमूर्ध्नाचैनंनमस्य च ।।6.114.122।।ताःस्त्रियोऽनुनयामाससान्तमुक्त्वापुनःपुनः ।गम्यतामितितास्सर्वाविविशुर्नगरीतदा ।।6.114.123।।

Transliteration

tāḥ striyo 'nunayāmāsa sāntvam uktvā punaḥ punaḥ | gamyatām iti tās sarvā viviśur nagarīṃ tadā ||

Translation

Again and again he soothed the women with consoling words, saying, “Return,” and then all of them entered the city.

Context

In accordance with tradition, Vibheeshana set fire. He bathed himself and with wet clothes offered in a wet cloth, holding kusa grass a mixture of sesame seeds and water to Ravana. He prostrated to Ravana and offered his prayers with folded palms. Then he comforted the wives of Ravana and all of them to return to Lanka.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• women of Rāvaṇa’s household
• Laṅkā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes compassionate governance and responsible speech: comforting the vulnerable and restoring them to safety and social order.

What is the narrative situation?

After completing key funeral actions, Vibhīṣaṇa consoles the bereaved women and directs them back into Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gentleness (mārdava) and protective leadership: he stabilizes the community through consoling counsel.