Shloka 18
लङ्कादुर्गवर्णनम्
Description of Lanka’s Fortifications and Forces
एकस्त्वकम्प्योबलवान्सङ्क्रमस्सुमहादृढः ।काञ्चनै र्बहुभिस्स्तम्भैर्वेदिकाभिश्चशोभितः ।।।।
ekas tv akampyo balavān saṅkramaḥ sumahādṛḍhaḥ | kāñcanair bahubhis stambhair vedikābhiś ca śobhitaḥ ||
ಒಂದು ವಿಶೇಷ ಸಂಕ್ರಮಣವು ಅಚಲವಾಗಿದ್ದು—ಬಲಿಷ್ಠವೂ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದೃಢವೂ ಆಗಿತ್ತು; ಅನೇಕ ಕಾಞ್ಚನ ಸ್ತಂಭಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ವೇದಿಕೆಗಳಿಂದ ಅಲಂಕರಿತವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.
"One of the road ways is very strong and steady, shining with unshakeable golden pillars and altars."
FAQs
Dharma here is indirectly shown through the idea of stability: what supports a kingdom—structures, institutions, and discipline—must be firm and reliable.
A standout, especially strong approach/bridge of Laṅkā is being singled out as part of the city’s defensive architecture.
Steadfastness (dhairya/sthairya) as a strategic and moral quality—what is “unshakable” is praised.