Shloka 6.36.17

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

Devanagari script

व्यादिदेशसपूर्वस्यांप्रहस्तंद्वारिराक्षसम् ।दक्षिणस्यांमहावीर्यौमहापार्श्वमहादरौ ।।।।पश्चिमायामथोद्वारिपुत्रमिन्द्रजितंतदा ।व्यादिदेशमयामायंबहूभीराक्षसैर्भहुभिर्वृतम् ।।।।

Transliteration

rāvaṇas tu sahāmātyo mantrayitvā vimṛśya ca |

laṅkāyām atulāṃ guptiṃ kārayāmāsa rākṣasaḥ ||

Translation

Then Rāvaṇa, together with his ministers, having consulted and deliberated, ordered unparalleled defenses to be set in Laṅkā.

Context

Ravana posted Prahastha surrounded by many Rakshasas at the east gate, and the Rakshasas of great prowess, Mahaparsva and Mahodara at the southern gate, and like that Mahamaya and Indrajith, his own son at the western gate.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Laṅkā
• Ministers (Amātya)

FAQs

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

It reflects rajadharma as administrative duty—consultation and protection of the city—though the broader war stems from adharma, showing how competence can coexist with moral failure.

What is the narrative situation?

After the council episode, Rāvaṇa shifts to practical action: organizing Laṅkā’s security.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic diligence and organization (though ethically compromised by the cause he defends).