Shloka 6.32.42

सीताविलापः (Sītā’s Lament over the Illusory Head and Bow)

Devanagari script

अविदूरस्थितान्सर्वान्बलाध्यक्षाहनितैषिणः ।अब्रवीत्कालसदृशोरावणोराक्षसाधिपः ।।6.32.42।।

Transliteration

śīghraṃ bherī-ninādena sphuṭaṃ koṇāhatena me | samānayadhvaṃ sainyāni vaktavyaṃ ca na kāraṇam ||6.32.43||

Translation

“Quickly—let the drums be sounded sharply with firm strokes; assemble the troops, and do not disclose the reason.”

Context

The Rakshasa king who resembled the god of death spoke to the heads of army force and well-wishers who stood close by.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• drums (bherī)
• troops (sainya)

FAQs

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

The verse raises the tension between satya (truth) and tactical secrecy: in war, limited disclosure can be a strategic necessity, yet dharma demands such secrecy serve protection and right purpose—not mere aggression.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa orders immediate mobilization: sound the war-drums, gather the army, and keep the cause confidential.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Operational discipline—swift coordination and controlled information in military action.