Shloka 6.96.27

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

Devanagari script

अथानयद्बलाध्यक्षस्सत्वरोरावणाज्ञया ।द्रुतंसूतसमायुक्तंयुक्ताष्टतुरगंरथम् ।आरुरोहतदाभीमोदीप्यमानंस्वतेजसा ।।6.96.27।।

Transliteration

athānayad balādhyakṣaḥ satvaro rāvaṇājñayā |

drutaṃ sūtasamāyuktaṃ yuktāṣṭaturagaṃ ratham |

āruroha tadā bhīmo dīpyamānaṃ svatejasā ||6.96.27||

Translation

Then, at Rāvaṇa’s command, the chief of the army swiftly brought the chariot, attended by its charioteer and yoked to eight horses. Thereupon the dreadful Rāvaṇa mounted it, blazing with his own radiance.

Context

Then by Ravana's command. the chief of the army with chariot rider brought the chariot yoked to eight horses quickly. Then dreadful and self-effulgent glowing Ravana ascended the chariot."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• balādhyakṣa (army commander)
• sūta (charioteer)
• ratha (chariot)
• aṣṭa-turaga (eight horses)

FAQs

What dharmic point is implied by describing Rāvaṇa’s swift militaristic preparation?

The verse highlights how adharma can be energetic and well-organized outwardly; speed, power, and splendor are not proofs of righteousness. In the Ramayana’s ethical frame, dharma is measured by right conduct and truth, not by might or spectacle.

How does this verse relate to Satya (truth) in the narrative?

It underscores a contrast: Rāvaṇa appears “self-effulgent” and formidable, yet the larger truth of the epic is that brilliance without truth-aligned conduct cannot secure lasting victory. Satya is shown as the deeper reality that ultimately prevails over mere display of power.