Shloka 27

माल्यवानुपदेशः

Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance

Devanagari script

रुदतांवाहनानांचप्रपवन्त्यौस्रबिन्दवः ।ध्वजाध्वस्ताविवर्णाश्चनप्रभान्तियथापुरम् ।।।।

Transliteration

rudatāṃ vāhanānāṃ ca prapavanty asrabindavaḥ |

dhvajādhvastā vivarṇāś ca na prabhānti yathā puram ||

Translation

Tunggangan seakan menangis; tetes-tetes laksana air mata menetes dari mereka. Panji-panji serta kuda dan gajah yang tersaput debu tampak pudar, tak lagi bersinar seperti dahulu.

Word by Word

रुदताम्of (those) weeping

वाहनानाम्of the mounts/vehicles

चand

प्रपवन्तिfall down

अस्रबिन्दवःdrops of tears

ध्वजाध्वस्ताःwith banners destroyed / bannerless

विवर्णाःdiscoloured

चand

नnot

प्रभान्तिshine

यथाas

पुरम्formerly / as before

Context

"With tear drops falling from the eyes of weeping horses and elephants (carrying army) they are discoloured by dust and are not shining like before."

Characters & Entities

dhvaja (banners)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsibility for collective wellbeing; when leadership deviates, even the symbols of power (army, banners, mounts) are portrayed as losing auspiciousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Further ominous signs appear in Lanka’s military sphere—animals and insignia behave inauspiciously, reinforcing the prophecy of defeat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sobriety and moral accountability—recognizing that power without righteousness cannot sustain prosperity or splendor.