Shloka 6.23.11

निमित्तदर्शनम् (Portents Before the March to Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

काकाश्श्येनास्तथानीचागृध्राःपरिपतन्तिच ।शिवाश्चाप्यशिवान्नादान्नदन्तिसुमहाभयान् ।।6.23.11।।

Transliteration

lokakṣayakaraṁ bhīmaṁ bhayaṁ paśyāmy upasthitam | nibarhaṇaṁ pravīrāṇām ṛkṣavānararakṣasām ||

Translation

“I foresee a dreadful fear approaching—one that brings ruin upon peoples—and the slaughter of mighty warriors among bears, vānaras, and rākṣasas.”

Context

"The crows, hawks and eagles are falling down like small animals. Also, the jackals are creating fear by making howls."

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Vanaras
• Bears (Ṛkṣas)
• Rakshasas

FAQs

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

Dharma includes truthfulness about consequences: Rama does not romanticize war; he acknowledges that even righteous battle brings suffering and death, and he prepares accordingly.

What is the narrative situation?

As ominous signs intensify before the assault on Laṅkā, Rama predicts heavy casualties across both allied and enemy forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral realism and steadiness—Rama’s capacity to face grim outcomes without abandoning the righteous objective.