Shloka 6.114.8

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

Devanagari script

न चैतत्कर्मरामस्यश्रद्धधामिचमूमुखे ।सर्वतस्समुपेतस्यतवतेनाभिमर्षणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

na caitat karma rāmasya śraddadhāmi ca mūmukhe | sarvatas samupetasya tava tenābhimarṣaṇam ||

Translation

O leader of armies, I cannot believe this to be Rāma’s deed—this overpowering of you, who were fully prepared on every side.

Context

"You are always well equipped with the army, so such action (killing you) is not possible for Rama."

Characters & Entities

• Mandodarī
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma
• Laṅkā (implied battlefield context)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tied to truthful appraisal of agency and power: Mandodarī struggles to reconcile Rāma’s act with Rāvaṇa’s perceived might.

What is the narrative situation?

In grief, Mandodarī expresses disbelief that Rāma could have brought down Rāvaṇa, known as a formidable commander.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Awe at righteous power (Rāma’s dhārmic strength), even when emotionally difficult to accept.