Shloka 6.40.22

सुवेलारोहणं रावण-सुग्रीव-नियुद्धम् (Ascent of Suvela and the Ravana–Sugriva Duel)

Devanagari script

तौपरस्परमासाद्ययत्तावन्योन्यसूदने ।मार्जाराविवभक्ष्यार्थेऽवितस्थातेमुहुर्मुहुः ।।।।

Transliteration

tau parasparam āsādya yattāv anyonyasūdane |

mārjārāv iva bhakṣyārthe vitasthāte muhur muhuḥ ||

Translation

Closing in upon each other, eager to destroy the other, the two kept darting back and forth again and again—like cats circling over prey for food.

Context

Both of them intent on destroying each other were approaching one another and now and then growling like cats for the sake of food.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse highlights how desire to destroy (hiṃsā-driven intent) can reduce combat to predatory frenzy; dharma calls for purpose-bound action guided by justice, not mere appetite for harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva and Rāvaṇa repeatedly close, feint, and reposition, each seeking an opening to finish the other.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and agility—though framed with a cautionary image of predatory intent.