Shloka 6.75.3

लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः (The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle)

Devanagari script

येयेमहाबलास्सन्तिलघवश्चप्लवङ्गमाः ।लङ्कामभ्युतन्त्याशुगृह्योल्काःप्लवगर्षभाः ।।।।हरयोहरिसङ्काशाःप्रदग्धुंरावणालयम् ।

Transliteration

ye ye mahābalās santi laghavaś ca plavaṅgamāḥ |

laṅkām abhyutanty āśu gṛhyolkāḥ plavagarṣabhāḥ ||

harayo harisaṅkāśāḥ pradagdhuṃ rāvaṇālayam |

Translation

Let those vānara-bulls who are mighty and swift—taking torches in hand—rush quickly toward Laṅkā, to set fire to Rāvaṇa’s abode: those monkeys, formidable as lions.

Context

"Of the bulls among vanaras, endowed with prowess, whoever is quick, able and foremost, let them go to Lanka, the abode of Ravana."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāvaṇālaya (Rāvaṇa’s abode)
• Vānara/Plavaṅgama warriors
• torches (ulkā)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the duty of allies to confront tyranny: decisive action is taken to dismantle an adharma-based stronghold. The aim is restoration of justice (protecting satya and rightful order), not needless cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

A command is issued to the strongest and swiftest vānaras to seize torches, rush into Laṅkā, and burn Rāvaṇa’s seat of power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Leadership and initiative (naya, utsāha): selecting capable warriors and acting swiftly for a righteous objective.