Shloka 6.35.29

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

Devanagari script

काळिकाःपाण्डुरैर्दन्तै: प्रहसन्त्यग्रतःस्थिताः ।स्त्रियस्स्वप्नेषुमुष्ण्नत्योगृहाणिप्रतिभाष्यच ।।।।

Transliteration

kāḷikāḥ pāṇḍurair dantaiḥ prahasanti agrataḥ sthitāḥ | striyaḥ svapneṣu muṣṇantyo gṛhāṇi pratibhāṣya ca ||

Translation

In dreams, coal-black women with pale teeth stand before us, laughing loudly; speaking ominously, they seem to plunder the very homes—an evil sign.

Context

"Women of dark colour like coal with yellow teeth are speaking unpleasant things standing before us in dreams laughing heartily."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā (implied)
• Homes of Laṅkā (gṛhāṇi)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is vigilance: when signs indicate disorder, one must examine one’s own wrongdoing and restore righteousness rather than ignore warnings.

What is the narrative situation?

Disturbing dream-visions are reported as portents foretelling danger to Laṅkā and its households.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage to interpret and report unsettling signs truthfully (satya) for the common good.