Shloka 6.114.71

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

Devanagari script

अतीतानागतार्थज्ञोवर्तमानविचक्षणः ।।6.114.70।।मैथिलीमाहृतांदृष्टवाध्यात्वानिःश्वस्यचायतम् ।सत्यवाक्यमहाबाहो देवरोमेयदब्रवीत् ।।6.114.71।।अयंराक्षसमुख्यानांविनाशःपर्युपस्थितः ।कामक्रोधसमुत्थेनव्यसनेनप्रसङ्गिना ।।6.114.72।।

Transliteration

nirvṛttas tvat-kṛte 'narthaḥ so 'yaṃ mūlaharo mahān |

tvayā kṛtam idaṃ sarvam anādhaṃ rākṣasaṃ kulam |

Translation

Because of your deed, this great calamity has come to pass, tearing up everything by the root. By you all this has been done: the entire Rākṣasa lineage has been left without protector or refuge.

Context

"Mighty armed King! Your brother, who is a knower of matters relating to future, present and past, a truthful one, after your getting Mythili, thought for a while and sighing spoke this. 'The destruction of Rakshasa chiefs is now sure to happen', has come true.' The desire for sensual pleasures and anger has resulted in your death and resulting in this calamity."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasa clan (rākṣasa-kula)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s adharma does not remain personal; it uproots an entire community. Leadership carries dharmic accountability for collective welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of defeat, the speaker attributes the near-extermination and helplessness of the Rākṣasa lineage to Rāvaṇa’s choices.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāja-dharma by contrast: the implied virtue is responsible governance—protecting one’s people through restraint and ethical action.