Shloka 6.31.40

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

विद्युज्जिह्वस्ततोगृह्यशिरस्तत्सशरासनम् ।प्रणामंशिरसाकृत्वारावणस्याग्रतस्थितः ।।।।

Transliteration

vidyujjihvas tato gṛhya śiras tat saśarāsanam |

praṇāmaṃ śirasā kṛtvā rāvaṇasyāgrataḥ sthitaḥ ||

Translation

Then Vidyujihva, holding that head together with the bow, bowed with his head in salutation and stood before Rāvaṇa.

Context

Then holding the head along with the bow, Vidyujihvam bowed his head down in salutation and stood in front of Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Vidyujihva
• Rāvaṇa
• bow
• head (claimed to be Rāma’s)

FAQs

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

It illustrates loyalty used in service of adharma; dharma requires that obedience be guided by truth and righteousness, not merely hierarchy.

What is the narrative situation?

Vidyujihva presents himself before Rāvaṇa, carrying the gruesome token intended to deceive Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and obedience—shown here as ethically compromised when aligned with cruelty.