Shloka 6.96.29

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

Devanagari script

रावणेनाभ्यनुज्ञातौमहापार्श्वमहोदरौ ।विरूपाक्षश्चदुर्धर्षोरथानारुरुहुस्तदा ।।6.96.29।।

Transliteration

tataḥ prayātaḥ sahasā rākṣasair bahubhir vṛtaḥ |

rāvaṇaḥ sattva-gāmbhīryād dārayann iva medinīm ||6.96.28||

Translation

Then Rāvaṇa set out at once, surrounded by many rākṣasas, seeming—by the sheer weight of his proud might and grim resolve—to tear open the earth itself.

Context

Duly permitted by Ravana, Mahaparsva and Mahodara who are difficult to overpower and also Virupaksha ascended their chariots.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Medinī (earth)

FAQs

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

Mere power and grandeur are not Dharma; when force is driven by adharma, it becomes a burden upon the world—symbolized by the earth seeming to be torn.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa begins his advance toward the battlefield, escorted by a large rākṣasa force.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse foregrounds “sattva” as raw force and intensity; ethically, it warns that strength without righteousness becomes destructive rather than protective.