Shloka 12
अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः
Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove
काञ्चनैरपि भृङ्गारैर्जह्रुः सलिलमग्रतः।मण्डलाग्रान् बृसीश्चापि गृह्यान्याः पृष्ठतो ययुः।।5.18.12।।
kāñcanair api bhṛṅgārair jahrus salilam agrataḥ |
maṇḍalāgrān bṛsīś cāpi gṛhyānyāḥ pṛṣṭhato yayuḥ ||
ചിലർ മുന്നിൽ കാഞ്ചനഭൃംഗാരങ്ങളിൽ ജലം വഹിച്ചു നടന്നു; മറ്റുചിലർ പിന്നിൽ വൃത്താകാരാസനങ്ങളും നെയ്ത പായകളും എടുത്തുകൊണ്ട് പോയി.
Some moved ahead of him carrying water in golden pitchers. Others followed him carrying circular couches (to be used as seats).
FAQs
The scene reinforces that comfort and power are not proofs of Dharma; the Ramayana evaluates rulers by Satya and self-restraint, not by attendants and amenities.
Rāvaṇa’s attendants prepare luxuries—water and seating—while accompanying him, as the narrative moves toward his encounter with Sītā.
Indirectly, it highlights the coming contrast: Sītā’s virtue is inner steadfastness, not external comfort.