Shloka 6.72.16

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

Devanagari script

ततस्तेराक्षसास्सर्वेश्रुत्वालङ्काधिपस्यतत् ।वचनंसर्वमातिष्ठन् यथावत्तुमहाबलाः ।।।।

Transliteration

tatas te rākṣasāḥ sarve śrutvā laṅkādhipasya tat | vacanaṃ sarvam ātiṣṭhan yathāvat tu mahābalāḥ ||

Translation

Then all those mighty Rākṣasas, having heard the words of Laṅkā’s lord, duly complied and took up their appointed posts and duties.

Context

On hearing the words of the king of Lanka all Rakshasas and the great army got up.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Rāvaṇa (lord of Laṅkā)
• Laṅkā

FAQs

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

It highlights obedience to command and orderly execution of duty—collective discipline as a social/royal ethic.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāvaṇa’s instructions, the Rākṣasa forces respond by taking positions and implementing the defense measures.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Organized compliance and readiness—acting ‘yathāvat’ (properly, by procedure).