Shloka 6.6.1

रावणस्य मन्त्रविचारः — Ravana’s Council on Strategy

Devanagari script

लङ्कायांतुकृतंकर्मघोरंदृष्टवाभयावहम् ।राक्षसेन्द्रोहनुमताशक्रेणेवमहात्मना ।।6.6.1।।अब्रवीद्राक्षसान् सर्वान्ह्रियाकिञ्चिदवाङ्मुखः ।

Transliteration

laṅkāyāṃ tu kṛtaṃ karma ghoraṃ dṛṣṭvā bhayāvaham |

rākṣasendro hanumatā śakreṇeva mahātmanā ||6.6.1||

abravīd rākṣasān sarvān hriyā kiñcid avāṅmukhaḥ |

Translation

Seeing in Laṅkā the dreadful, fearsome deed wrought by Hanumān—the great-souled one, mighty like Indra—the lord of the rākṣasas, somewhat ashamed and with head bowed, addressed all the rākṣasas.

Context

Considering the terrifying, dreadful action that was carried by the great soul Hanuman who was like Indra in might, the Lord of Rakshasas felt a bit shy and bending down his head addressed all Rakshasas.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa (rākṣasendra)
• Indra (Śakra)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Adharma invites consequences that even the powerful cannot ignore. The appearance of shame signals an ethical recognition—however partial—that wrongful leadership decisions bring collective danger.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān’s devastating exploits in Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa—affected and embarrassed—turns to address his rākṣasa assembly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s heroic efficacy (vīrya) is foregrounded; in Rāvaṇa, a fleeting self-awareness (hri) appears.