Shloka 6.72.11

अतिकायवधश्रवणं रावणस्य लङ्कारक्षाविधानम् (Ravana’s Reaction to Atikaya’s Death and the Fortification Orders for Lanka)

Devanagari script

अप्रमत्सैश्चसर्वत्रगुप्सैरक्ष्यापुरीवतियम् ।।।।अशोकवनिकायांचयत्रसीताऽभिरक्ष्यते ।

Transliteration

apramattaiś ca sarvatra gupsai rakṣyā purīvatīyam | aśokavanikāyāṁ ca yatra sītā 'bhirakṣyate ||

Translation

Let this city be guarded on every side by vigilant, concealed sentries—above all the Aśoka grove, where Sītā is kept under watch.

Context

"This city and even the Ashoka grove where Sita is kept secretly to be guarded by being vigilant on all sides."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā (city)
• Aśoka-vāṭikā (Aśoka grove)
• Sītā

FAQs

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

By contrast, it highlights adharma: the misuse of power to confine the innocent; vigilance here serves injustice, not righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa orders heightened security throughout Laṅkā, with special attention to the grove where Sītā is held.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not virtue but strategic caution—Rāvaṇa’s fear-driven governance and reliance on surveillance.