Shloka 6.114.3

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

Devanagari script

ननुनाममहाबाहोतववैश्रवणानुज ।क्रुद्धस्यप्रमुखेस्थातुंत्रस्यत्यपिपुरन्दरः ।।।।

Transliteration

sarvadā sarvabhūtānāṃ nāsti mṛtyur alakṣaṇaḥ |

tava tāvad ayaṃ mṛtyur maithilī-kṛta-lakṣaṇaḥ ||

Translation

For all beings, death never comes without a cause. For you, this death bears the mark of Maithilī—it is death brought about by what you did to her.

Context

"O mighty armed Ravana! O, brother of Visrava! When in anger even Purandara was afraid to stand before you, it is well known."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

Actions have consequences (karma-phala): adharma generates its own downfall. The truth (satya) asserted is that suffering and death are not random but arise from causes—here, wrongdoing toward Sītā.

What is the narrative situation?

Mandodarī addresses the fallen Rāvaṇa and interprets his death as the direct consequence of abducting and wronging Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment and truth-speaking (satya-vacana): Mandodarī names the real cause of ruin rather than excusing it as mere fate.