Shloka 4

लङ्काद्वारव्यूहवर्णनम् / Disposition at the Gates of Lanka

Devanagari script

इयंसालक्षयतेलङ्कापुरीरावणपालिता ।सासुरोरगगन्धर्वैरमरैरपिदुर्जया ।।।।

Transliteration

iyaṃ sā lakṣyate laṅkā-purī rāvaṇa-pālitā | sā suroraga-gandharvair amarair api durjayā ||

Translation

«Voici maintenant sous nos yeux la cité de Laṅkā, gouvernée par Rāvaṇa. Elle paraît imprenable — même pour les dieux, les nāgas, les gandharvas, et même pour les immortels.»

Word by Word

इयम्this

साthat (same)

लक्ष्यतेis seen/appears

लङ्कापुरीthe city of Lanka

रावणपालिताruled/protected by Ravana

साshe/that (city)

असुरोरगगन्धर्वैःby asuras, serpents, and gandharvas

अमरैःby the immortals (devas)

अपिeven

दुर्जयाhard to conquer

Context

Wise Rama having spoken like that to Vibheeshana for accomplishing the task, looking at the beauty of Suvela mountain slopes, climbed up and went.

Characters & Entities

Laṅkā

Rāvaṇa

Sura (Devas)

Uraga (Nāgas)

Gandharvas

Amaras (immortals)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is truthful assessment without arrogance: even when committed to a righteous war, one must acknowledge the opponent’s strength and proceed with disciplined realism.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s forces have reached the vicinity of Laṅkā; the city is sighted and its formidable nature is being recognized before further action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence joined to courage—Rāma’s leadership shows calm, fact-based evaluation rather than impulsive confidence.