Shloka 6.114.40

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

Devanagari script

दृप्तामर्दनाःशूराःप्रख्यातबलपौरुषाः ।।।।अकुतश्चिद्भयानाथाममेत्यासीन्मतिर्दृढा ।

Transliteration

dṛptā-mardanāḥ śūrāḥ prakhyāta-bala-pauruṣāḥ |

akutaścid-bhayā nāthā mameti āsīn matir dṛḍhā ||

Translation

“My protectors are heroes who crush the proud, renowned for strength and manly valor, fearing no quarter”—such was the firm conviction I held.

Context

"Those who are capable of protecting me are warriors, as they are capable of crushing the enemies and renowned for their pride of their strength. They had no fear from any quarter. I had this conviction in my mind."

Characters & Entities

• Mandodarī
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasa warriors (implicit protectors)

FAQs

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

It highlights the danger of false reliance on force; dharma teaches that protection rooted in righteousness is steadier than protection rooted in mere might.

What is the narrative situation?

Mandodarī recalls her former confidence in Rāvaṇa’s defenders, now shattered by the outcome of the war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility born of insight: she recognizes that her certainty was misplaced.