Shloka 6.36.13

माल्यवानुपदेशः—रावणक्रोधः तथा लङ्काद्वाररक्षा-व्यवस्था (Malyavan’s Counsel, Ravana’s Anger, and the Fortification of Lanka)

Devanagari script

सतुतीर्त्वार्णवंरामस्सहवानरसेनया ।प्रतिजानामितेसत्यंनजीवन्प्रतियास्यति ।।।।

Transliteration

yadi tāvat samudre tu setur baddho yadṛcchayā |

rāmeṇa vismayaḥ ko 'tra yena me bhayam āgatam ||

Translation

If, by mere chance, Rāma has built a bridge upon the ocean—what is so astonishing in that, that fear has seized you because of it?

Context

"Rama having crossed the sea with his Vanara army will not go back with life. It is true."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ocean (Samudra)
• Bridge (Setu)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse shows how ego can deny evident truth; dharma requires clear-sighted acceptance of reality (satya) rather than dismissing it as “chance.”

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa downplays Rāma’s achievement of building the sea-bridge and rebukes the fear it causes among his side.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively, it highlights arrogance and denial; positively, it points to the virtue of prudence—recognizing genuine threats and responding wisely.