Shloka 6.96.4

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

Devanagari script

उवाच च समीपस्थान्राक्षसान्राक्षसेश्वरः ।क्रोधाव्यक्तकथस्तत्रनिर्दहन्निवचक्षुषा ।।6.96.4।।महोदरंमहापार्श्वंविरूपाक्षं च राक्षसम् ।शीघ्रंवदतसैन्यानिनिर्यातेतिममाज्ञया ।।6.96.5।।

Transliteration

uvāca ca samīpasthān rākṣasān rākṣaseśvaraḥ |

krodhāvyakta-kathaḥ tatra nirdahann iva cakṣuṣā ||6.96.4||

mahodaraṁ mahāpārśvaṁ virūpākṣaṁ ca rākṣasam |

śīghraṁ vadata sainyāni niryāteti mamājñayā ||6.96.5||

Translation

Then the lord of the rākṣasas addressed the rākṣasas standing near him—his words choked by anger, his eyes as though burning. He said to Mahodara, Mahāpārśva, and the rākṣasa Virūpākṣa: “Quickly, order the troops to march out—this is my command.”

Context

Thus spoke the Lord of Rakshasas indistinctly in anger with his eyes burning as though it would consume them (Rakshasas). He commanded Mahodara, Mahaparsva and Virupaksha who stood nearby saying" quickly instruct the army to go."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mahodara
• Mahāpārśva
• Virūpākṣa
• rākṣasa army

FAQs

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

The verse warns that leadership driven by anger distorts judgment and speech. Dharma-based leadership requires calm discernment; wrath-based command leads communities into harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, enraged, issues urgent orders to his commanders to deploy the rākṣasa forces and march out to the battlefield.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By negative example, self-control (dama) is highlighted: Rāvaṇa’s lack of restraint becomes a moral marker of adharma in command.