Shloka 6.41.31
युद्धलक्षण-निमित्तदर्शनं तथा लङ्काद्वारव्यूहः (War Omens and the Encirclement of Lanka’s Gates)
पताकामालिनींरम्यामुद्यानवनशोभिताम् ।चित्रवप्रासुदुष्प्रापमुच्चैःप्राकारतोरणाम् ।।6.41.31।।तांसुरैरपिदुर्धर्षांरामवाक्यप्रचोदिताः ।यथानिदेशंसम्पीड्यन्यविशन्तवनौकसः ।।6.41.32।।
patākā-mālinīṁ ramyām udyāna-vana-śobhitām |
citra-vaprāsu duṣprāpām uccaiḥ prākāra-toraṇām ||6.41.31||
They beheld lovely Laṅkā, adorned with garlands of banners and beautified by gardens and groves—yet hard to approach, with wondrous ramparts and lofty walls and gateways.
Commanded by Rama's words the Vanaras remaining in their positions as ordained, entered the wonderful Lanka, which was decorated with flags, embellished with gardens. The defensive walls and arches of the boundary of Lanka were difficult to access even for Devatas.
Dharma underscores discernment: outward splendor can coexist with inner danger; one must not be misled by beauty when confronting adharma entrenched behind strong defenses.
The narrative describes Lanka’s impressive beauty and formidable fortifications as the allied forces approach the city.
Alertness and strategic awareness—seeing both allure and threat clearly.