Shloka 6.114.123

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 tāḥ sarvā viviśur nagarīṃ tadā ||6.114.123||

Translation

Again and again he consoled those women with soothing words, saying, “Return now.” 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

• Vibhishana
• Ravana
• Ravana's wives
• Lanka
• city (nagarī)

FAQs

How does this verse reflect dharma after the fall of an enemy?

By showing Vibhishana consoling the bereaved women and guiding them back safely, the verse presents dharma as compassion and restraint even in victory.

Where is satya (truthfulness) implied in this verse?

Satya is implied in the straightforward, non-deceptive instruction “gamyatām—return,” given as practical guidance and reassurance rather than manipulation or humiliation.