Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 29
अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः
Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove
क्षीबो विचित्राभरणः शङ्कुकर्णो महाबलः।तेन विश्रवसः पुत्रः स दृष्टो राक्षसाधिपः।।5.18.28।।वृतः परमनारीभिस्ताराभिरिव चन्द्रमाः।तं ददर्श महातेजास्तेजोवन्तं महाकपिः।।5.18.29।।
kṣībo vicitrābharaṇaḥ śaṅkukarṇo mahābalaḥ |
tena viśravasaḥ putraḥ sa dṛṣṭo rākṣasādhipaḥ || 5.18.28 ||
vṛtaḥ paramanārībhis tārābhir iva candramāḥ |
taṃ dadarśa mahātejās tejovantaṃ mahākapiḥ || 5.18.29 ||
Dia melihatnya mabuk, berhias dengan perhiasan indah, bertelinga panjang dan amat perkasa—penguasa rākṣasa, putera Viśravas. Dikelilingi wanita-wanita terpilih bagaikan bulan dikelilingi bintang, yang bercahaya itu disaksikan oleh kera agung yang gemilang.
The brilliant vanara looked at the son of Visravas (Ravana), the demon king adorned with wonderful ornaments. He had long tapering ears. He was intoxicated with drink. Encircled by damsels, he was looking like the Moon surrounded by stars.
FAQs
The verse illustrates that brilliance, lineage, and power can be morally misused; Dharma demands that strength serve protection, not domination and indulgence.
Hanumān finally gets a clear sight of Rāvaṇa—his appearance, ornaments, intoxicated state, and entourage—confirming the target of his reconnaissance.
Hanumān’s steadiness and courage: he can face the overwhelming presence of the enemy king without losing clarity or resolve.