Shloka 6.23.16

निमित्तदर्शनम् (Portents Before the March to Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

राघवस्यप्रियार्थंतुसुतरांवीर्यशालिनाम् ।हरीणांकर्मचेष्टाभिस्तुतोषरघुपुङ्गवः ।।6.23.16।।

Transliteration

kṣipram adyaiva durdarṣāṁ purīṁ rāvaṇapālitām | abhiyāma javenaiva sarvato haribhir vavṛtāḥ ||

Translation

Swiftly—this very day—we shall advance at speed upon that formidable city ruled by Rāvaṇa, as the vānaras spread out and surround it on every side.

Context

To make Rama happy, the excessively heroic Vanaras made monkey actions. Seeing that Rama felt happy.।। ityārṣēvālmīkīyēśrīmadrāmāyaṇēādikāvyēyuddhakāṇḍētrayōviṅśassargaḥ ।।This is the end of the twenty third sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Ravana
• Lanka (implied by “city ruled by Ravana”)
• Vanaras (Harīs)

FAQs

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

Dharma is decisive action aligned with justice: once the righteous course is clear, Rama commits to timely, organized advance rather than delay or disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

After observing ominous signs, Rama orders the immediate strategic movement to encircle and approach Rāvaṇa’s stronghold.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resolve (dṛḍha-niścaya) and strategic discipline—acting swiftly while maintaining coordinated formation.