Shloka 6.96.20

युद्धाय रावणस्य निर्याणं तथा उत्पातदर्शनम् (Ravana’s Mobilization for War and the ظهور of Fatal Portents)

Devanagari script

अद्यगोमयवोगृध्राश्चये च मांसाशिनोऽपरे ।सर्वांस्तांस्तर्पयिष्यामिशत्रुमांसैश्शरार्दितैः ।।6.96.20।।

Transliteration

adya gomāyavo gṛdhrāś ca ye ca māṁśāśino ’pare |

sarvāṁs tāṁs tarpayiṣyāmi śatru-māṁsaiḥ śarārditaiḥ ||6.96.20||

Translation

“Today I shall sate the jackals, the vultures, and all other flesh-eaters with the enemies’ flesh, torn by my arrows,” said Rāvaṇa.

Context

"Today I shall provide for whatever animals, eagles or flesh-eating animals the flesh of enemies killed by my arrows."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Gomāyu (jackals)
• Gṛdhra (vultures)
• Enemies (Vānara forces implied)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates moral degradation: delight in carnage violates Dharma’s demand for dignity even toward foes; righteous war is bound by limits, not relish in slaughter.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa boasts that the battlefield will provide carrion for scavengers because of the destruction he intends to cause.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively, it highlights the absence of compassion and sobriety; the Ramayana’s ethical frame values restraint and respect for life.