Shloka 6.37.32

लङ्काद्वारव्यूहवर्णनम् / Disposition at the Gates of Lanka

Devanagari script

वानरेन्द्रश्चबलवानृक्षराजश्चवीर्यवान् ।।।।राक्षसेन्द्रानुजश्चैवगुलोभवतुमध्यम: ।

Transliteration

vānarā eva naḥ cihnaṃ svajane ’smin bhaviṣyati | vayaṃ tu mānuṣeṇaiva sapta yotsyāmahe parān |

aham eṣa mama bhrātrā lakṣmaṇena mahaujasā | ātmanā pañcamaś cāyaṃ sakhā mama vibhīṣaṇaḥ || 6.37.34-35 ||

Translation

Among our own, the Vānara form itself will be our sign of recognition. But as for us, seven will fight the enemy in human form—myself and my mighty brother Lakṣmaṇa, and as the fifth among us by my side, my friend Vibhīṣaṇa.

Context

"Mighty strong Sugriva, valorous Jambavan, the ruler of Vanaras and Vibheeshana, brother of Ravana will remain at the middle of Lanka and fight."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Vānara army
• Human form (mānuṣa-rūpa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is safeguarding one’s own allies through truthful identification and agreed rules, preventing accidental violence and confusion in a righteous campaign.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma clarifies that vānara appearance will identify allies, while a small set of leaders will remain in human form, necessitating an explicit rule for recognition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective leadership and satya (reliability in word and plan): Rāma sets transparent conventions so the army can act without moral and tactical error.