Shloka 6.23.9

निमित्तदर्शनम् (Portents Before the March to Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

ह्रस्वोरूक्षोऽप्रशस्तश्चपरिवेषस्सुलोहितः ।आदित्येविमलेनीलंलक्ष्मलक्ष्मणदृश्यते ।।6.23.9।।

Transliteration

hrasvo rūkṣo 'praśastaś ca pariveṣaḥ sulohitaḥ | āditye vimale nīlaṃ lakṣma lakṣmaṇa dṛśyate ||6.23.9||

Translation

O Lakṣmaṇa, on the bright, clear sun there appears a dark blemish, while its surrounding halo is intensely copper-red; the sun seems shrunken and dreary—an unprecedented and inauspicious sign.

Context

"Lakshmana! the white Sun is appearing in copper colour around with black colour in the centre which had not been seen before. It is small and dreary."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Āditya (Sun)

FAQs

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

Rāma models responsible leadership: noticing danger-signs without surrendering to them, and preparing to act according to duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma points out ominous changes in the sun to Lakṣmaṇa, interpreting them as inauspicious portents as the war unfolds.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and prudence in a leader—reading the situation carefully to protect allies and uphold righteous aims.