Shloka 6.37.18

लङ्काद्वारव्यूहवर्णनम् / Disposition at the Gates of Lanka

Devanagari script

एकैकस्यात्रयुद्धार्थेराक्षसस्यविशाम्पते ।परीवारस्सहस्राणांसहस्रमुपतिष्ठते ।।।।

Transliteration

ekaikasya ’tra yuddhārthe rākṣasasya viśāṃpate | parīvāraḥ sahasrāṇāṃ sahasram upatiṣṭhate ||

Translation

O lord of men, for each single Rākṣasa here who goes to war, an attendant host—thousands upon thousands—stands ready to support him.

Context

"O! Lord of men! For the sake of assisting one Rakshasa in war ten lakhs of Rakshasas are staying at his service."

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Laṅkā (implied battlefield context)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the gravity of war: when countless lives stand behind each fighter, Dharma demands careful, truthful assessment and restraint—war is never a light decision.

What is the narrative situation?

A report emphasizing the depth of Laṅkā’s manpower—each combatant is backed by massive supporting numbers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic realism and truthful reporting (satya in counsel): accurately conveying the scale of danger.