Shloka 6.41.20

युद्धलक्षण-निमित्तदर्शनं तथा लङ्काद्वारव्यूहः (War Omens and the Encirclement of Lanka’s Gates)

Devanagari script

काकाश्येनास्तथागृध्रानीचैःपरिपतन्तिच ।शिवाश्चाप्यशिवावाचःप्रवदन्तिमहास्वनाः ।।6.41.20।।

Transliteration

kākāḥ śyenās tathā gṛdhrā nīcaiḥ paripatanti ca | śivāś cāpy aśivā vācaḥ pravadanti mahā-svanāḥ ||

Translation

Crows, hawks, and vultures circle low; and jackals, with thunderous cries, utter inauspicious sounds.

Context

"The crows, hawks and also vultures are joining lowly animals like jackals and making loud noises which is inauspicious and not good."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• kāka (crow)
• śyena (hawk)
• gṛdhra (vulture)
• śivā (jackal)

FAQs

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

Dharma is preparedness: recognizing warnings and acting responsibly to protect one’s people and mission.

What is the narrative situation?

As battle nears, ominous animal behavior is described as a portent of imminent conflict and loss.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast leadership under threat—observing danger-signs without panic and moving toward duty.