Shloka 6.96.31

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

Devanagari script

ततोयुद्धायतेजस्वीरक्षोगणबलैर्वृतः ।निर्ययावुद्यतधनुःकालान्तकयमोपमः ।।6.96.31।।

Transliteration

tato yuddhāya tejasvī rakṣo-gaṇa-balair vṛtaḥ |

niryayāv udyata-dhanuḥ kālāntaka-yamopamaḥ ||6.96.31||

Translation

Then the radiant Rāvaṇa, encircled by the might of the rākṣasa hosts, went forth to battle with bow upraised—like Yama, the end-time destroyer.

Context

Then Ravana surrounded by the army of Rakshasas lifted his bow, like the Lord Yama at the time of dissolution of the universe, went for the battle glowing.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasa hosts
• Yama (Kālāntaka)

FAQs

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

Adharma can appear “tejasvī” (splendid) and overwhelming, yet its trajectory is toward destruction; Dharma is measured by right action, not intimidating radiance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa personally joins the battle, raising his bow and moving out with his army.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes formidable martial power; ethically it functions as a warning that power must be governed by Satya and Dharma.