Shloka 6.114.59

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

Devanagari script

प्रपन्नोदीर्घमध्वानंराजन्नद्यसुदुर्गमम् ।।।।नयमामपिदुःखार्तां न वर्तिष्येत्वयाविना ।

Transliteration

prapanno dīrgham adhvānaṃ rājann adya sudurgamam | naya mām api duḥkhārtāṃ na vartiṣye tvayā vinā ||

Translation

O king, today you have set forth upon a long road, terribly hard to traverse. Lead me also, though stricken with sorrow—for I cannot live without you.

Context

"O king! Today, take me on your journey which is very difficult. Stricken with sorrow I cannot live without you."

Characters & Entities

• Mandodarī
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

It reflects the ideal of spousal devotion in traditional epic ethics, while also showing the human cost when a king’s adharma ends in death.

What is the narrative situation?

Mandodarī interprets Rāvaṇa’s death as a departure on a ‘journey’ and expresses the wish to accompany him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded devotion (pati-niṣṭhā): she declares she cannot continue life without her husband.