Shloka 6.19.15

विभीषणाभिषेकः — The Consecration of Vibhishana and Counsel on Crossing the Ocean

Devanagari script

दशकोटिसहस्राणिरक्षसांकामरूपिणाम् ।मांसशोणितभक्ष्याणांलङ्कापुरनिवासिनाम् ।।6.19.15।।

Transliteration

daśa-koṭi-sahasrāṇi rakṣasāṃ kāma-rūpiṇām | māṃsa-śoṇita-bhakṣyāṇāṃ laṅkā-pura-nivāsinām || 6.19.15 ||

Translation

In Laṅkā dwell countless thousands—tens of crores—of rākṣasas who change form at will and feed on flesh and blood.

Context

"Thousands of Rakshasas inhabit the city of Lanka living on flesh and blood and changing their form at will."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

The verse depicts adharma through predatory appetite and shapeshifting deceit, setting a moral contrast: dharma protects life and truth, while adharma exploits and consumes.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa describes the scale and nature of Laṅkā’s rākṣasa population to convey the magnitude of the coming conflict.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Realism and steadiness—facing overwhelming numbers without panic is essential for righteous action.