Shloka 6.31.44

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

रावणश्चापिचिक्षेपभस्वरंकार्मुकंमहत् ।त्रिषुलोकेषुविख्यातंसीतामिदमुवाचह ।।।।

Transliteration

tato rākṣasam āhūya vidyujjihvaṃ mahābalam |

māyāvidaṃ mahāmāyaḥ prāviśad yatra maithilī ||

Translation

Then the great illusionist Ravana summoned the mighty rakshasa Vidyujjihva, skilled in magical arts, and proceeded to the place where Maithili was.

Context

Thus addressed Ravana casting down the bright great bow that is famous in the three worlds.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vidyujjihva
• Sītā (Maithilī)

FAQs

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

The verse sets up a contrast: dharma and satya are threatened by māyā (deception). It shows how power can recruit skill for unethical ends.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa begins a planned deception against Sītā by calling a magician-helper and going toward Sītā’s location.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

No virtue is celebrated; rather, the episode foreshadows adharma—using cunning and illusion to break another’s resolve.