Shloka 6.35.27

माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance

Devanagari script

रुदतांवाहनानांचप्रपवन्त्यौस्रबिन्दवः ।ध्वजाध्वस्ताविवर्णाश्चनप्रभान्तियथापुरम् ।।।।

Transliteration

rudatāṃ vāhanānāṃ ca prapavanty asrabindavaḥ |

dhvajādhvastā vivarṇāś ca na prabhānti yathā puram ||

Translation

From the mounts that seem to weep, teardrops fall; and the banners and the dust-dulled horses and elephants appear discolored, no longer shining as they once did.

Context

"With tear drops falling from the eyes of weeping horses and elephants (carrying army) they are discoloured by dust and are not shining like before."

Characters & Entities

• vāhana (mounts: horses/elephants)
• dhvaja (banners)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsibility for collective wellbeing; when leadership deviates, even the symbols of power (army, banners, mounts) are portrayed as losing auspiciousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Further ominous signs appear in Lanka’s military sphere—animals and insignia behave inauspiciously, reinforcing the prophecy of defeat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sobriety and moral accountability—recognizing that power without righteousness cannot sustain prosperity or splendor.