Shloka 6.36.8

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

Devanagari script

आनीयचवनासतीतांपद्महीनामिवश्रियम् ।किमर्थंप्रतिदास्यामिराघवस्यभयादहम् ।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃvidhānaṃ laṅkāyāṃ kṛtvā rākṣasapuṅgavaḥ | kṛtakṛtyam ivātmānaṃ manyate kālacoditaḥ || 6.36.21 ||

Translation

Thus, having set all things in order in Laṅkā, the foremost of the rākṣasas—driven by the pressure of fate—deemed himself as though his task were already accomplished.

Context

"Sita who is like Lakshmi without the lotus has been brought from the forest. Why would I return her for the fear of Rama?"

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• rākṣasapuṅgava (Rāvaṇa implied)
• Kāla (Time/Fate)

FAQs

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

Dharma underscores vigilance and self-examination; complacency and delusion, especially when driven by kāla, blind one to moral and practical realities.

What is the narrative situation?

After arranging Laṅkā’s defenses, Rāvaṇa becomes self-satisfied, as if the crisis were already resolved.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The passage emphasizes the need for prudence (prājñatā); Rāvaṇa instead displays moha (misguided confidence).