Shloka 6.75.8

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

Devanagari script

अगुरुर्दह्यतेतत्रवरं च हरिचन्दनम् ।।।।मौक्तिकामणयस्स्निग्धावज्रंचापिप्रवालकम् ।

Transliteration

agurur dahyate tatra varaṃ ca haricandanam |

mauktikā maṇayaḥ snigdhā vajraṃ cāpi pravālakam ||

Translation

There in Laṅkā, aloe-wood incense and the finest haricandana sandalwood were burning; even lustrous pearls and gems, diamonds too, and coral were consumed by the flames.

Context

There, in Lanka, incense and the best of sandalwood was burnt. Nay even glossy pearls, gems and diamonds were also burnt.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Aguru
• Haricandana (sandalwood)
• Mauktika (pearls)
• Maṇi (gems)
• Vajra (diamond)
• Pravāla (coral)

FAQs

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

It underscores impermanence and the moral consequence of adharma: even luxury and precious wealth cannot protect a city built on wrongdoing; truth and righteousness outlast material splendor.

What is the narrative situation?

A descriptive passage depicting devastation in Laṅkā, where valuable substances and ornaments are being burned in the turmoil of war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a single hero’s trait, but a didactic emphasis on detachment and clarity: material riches are shown as fragile when dharma collapses.