Shloka 6.53.13

युद्धकाण्डे त्रिपञ्चाशः सर्गः — धूम्राक्षवधश्रवणं, वज्रदंष्ट्रप्रेषणं, अङ्गद-राक्षसयुद्धम् (Ravana Dispatches Vajradamshtra; Portents and Angada’s Assault)

Devanagari script

तेषांनिष्क्रममाणानामशुभंसमजायत ।।।।आकाशाद्विघनात्तीव्रादुल्काश्चाभ्यन्यपतंस्तदा ।वमन्त्यःपावकज्वालाशशिवाघोरंववाशिरे ।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ niṣkramamāṇānām aśubhaṃ samajāyata |

ākāśād vighanāt tīvrād ulkāś cābhyanyapatan tadā |

vamantyaḥ pāvakajvālāḥ śivā ghoraṃ vavāśire ||

Translation

As they marched out, evil omens arose: from the sky, from dense and violent cloud-masses, meteors fell; tongues of fire seemed to flare forth, and dreadful jackals howled.

Context

As they were leaving evil portents appeared. Dreadful jackals, dazzling fire from the sky and meteors falling appeared.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasa army
• Meteors (ulkāḥ)
• Jackals (śivāḥ)

FAQs

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

The narrative links adharma to disorder in nature: ominous signs suggest that unrighteous aggression draws cosmic warning, reaffirming a moral universe.

What is the narrative situation?

As the Rākṣasas exit to fight, inauspicious portents—meteors, fiery apparitions, and jackal howls—appear.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka)—the ability to heed warnings and reflect—stands implied, as the army proceeds despite signs of impending ruin.