Shloka 6.96.28

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

Devanagari script

ततःप्रयातस्सहसाराक्षसैर्भहुभिर्वृतः ।।6.96.28।।रावणःसत्त्वगाम्भीर्याद्दारयन्निवमेदिनीम् ।

Transliteration

sandaśya daśanair oṣṭhaṃ krodha-saṃrakta-locanaḥ |

rākṣasair api durdarśaḥ kālāgnir iva mūrchitaḥ ||6.96.3||

Translation

Clenching his lip between his teeth, his eyes reddened with rage, Rāvaṇa became a dreadful sight—even to the rākṣasas—like the fire of Time itself when it flares up.

Context

Then Ravana surrounded by many Rakshasas set out swiftly rending the earth with all his might and majesty.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Kālāgni (fire of cosmic dissolution)

FAQs

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

Uncontrolled krodha (anger) deforms judgment and makes a person fearsome even to allies; Dharma requires inner restraint so power does not become destructive.

What is the narrative situation?

Before Rāvaṇa goes out to fight, the poem depicts his rage and the terror it generates, setting the tone for the coming confrontation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (through negation), the verse highlights the virtue of self-control (dama/saṃyama) as essential to righteous conduct.