Shloka 6.23.14

निमित्तदर्शनम् (Portents Before the March to Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

इत्येवमुक्त्वाधर्मात्माधनवीसङ्ग्रामहर्षणः ।प्रतस्थेपुरतोरामोलङ्कामभिमुखोविभुः ।।6.23.14।।

Transliteration

kākāḥ śyenās tathā nīcā gṛdhrāḥ paripatanti ca | śivāś cāpy aśivān nādān nadanti sumahābhayān ||

Translation

Crows, hawks, and even low-flying vultures are tumbling down; and jackals, too, cry out with inauspicious, terrifying calls.

Context

Rama, the subduer of enemies in war, a celebrated one having spoken this way proceeded towards Lanka going in front wielding a bow.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Crows
• Hawks
• Vultures
• Jackals

FAQs

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

Dharma is preparedness and protection: ominous signs call leaders to safeguard their people through disciplined action rather than panic.

What is the narrative situation?

Unnatural animal behavior and inauspicious cries appear as war-omens just before the forces move against Rāvaṇa’s Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast leadership—Rama observes fear-inducing signs without losing clarity of purpose.