Shloka 6.31.20

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

अथाध्वनिपरिश्रान्तमर्धरात्रेस्थितंबलम् ।सुखसुप्तंसमासाद्यचारित्रंप्रथमंचरैः ।।।।

Transliteration

athādhvani pariśrāntam ardha-rātre sthitaṃ balam | sukha-suptaṃ samāsādya cāritraṃ prathamaṃ caraiḥ ||

Translation

Then, when the army—wearied by the march—had halted at midnight and was sleeping soundly, my foremost spies drew near and learned fully their condition and movements.

Context

After having walked all the way they slept well and when they were sleeping at midnight, we found out all about them by sending prime spies.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Spies (cāra)
• Rāma’s army (implied)

FAQs

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

It raises the ethical tension of statecraft: intelligence-gathering can be a neutral tool, but its moral value depends on the aim. In Rāvaṇa’s case, it supports deception and aggression (adharma).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa claims his spies reconnoitered Rāma’s resting army at midnight, collecting detailed information before an attack.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic vigilance is shown (though ethically compromised in purpose).