Shloka 6.24.10

लङ्कानिरीक्षणं व्यूहविन्यासश्च (Survey of Lanka and Deployment of the Battle Formation)

Devanagari script

विमानैर्बहुभिर्लङ्कासङ्कीर्णाभुविराजते ।विष्णोःपदमिवाकाशंछादितंपाण्डुभिर्घनैः ।।।।

Transliteration

vimānair bahubhir laṅkā saṅkīrṇā bhuvi rājate | viṣṇoḥ padam ivākāśaṃ chāditaṃ pāṇḍubhir ghanaiḥ ||6.24.10||

Translation

Crowded with many aerial mansions, Laṅkā shines upon the earth—like the sky, the ‘step of Viṣṇu,’ covered with pale-white clouds.

Context

"This Lanka appears splendid with a mass of skyscrapers like white clouds covering the path of Vishnu in the sky."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Viṣṇu

FAQs

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

The verse warns indirectly that splendor is not the same as righteousness: a city may shine outwardly while harboring adharma within.

What is the narrative situation?

The poet describes the grandeur of Laṅkā, crowded with vimānas and compared to cloud-filled sky.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment—judging by dharma rather than external magnificence.