Shloka 21
लङ्कादर्शनम्
Viewing Laṅkā and its Forest-Gardens
सापुरीगोपुरैरुच्चैःपाण्डुराम्बुदसन्निभैः ।काञ्चनेनचशालेनराजतेनचशोभते ।।6.39.21।।
sā purī gopurair uccaiḥ pāṇḍurāmbuda-sannibhaiḥ |
kāñcanena ca śālena rājatenā ca śobhate ||6.39.21||
Kota itu tampak berseri: menara gerbangnya yang tinggi, bagaikan awan putih pucat; bangunannya kukuh dan dihiasi emas serta perak, berkilau indah.
The tall buildings decorated beautifully resembled air planes and were shining like heavy rainy clouds exposed to the sun. The building in the centre resembled the abode of Vishnu.
FAQs
Dharma is suggested through contrast: magnificence and power (gold, silver, towering defenses) do not themselves establish righteousness. The Ramayana repeatedly teaches that satya and dharma are ethical qualities, not architectural or material achievements.
The poet describes Laṅkā’s formidable and beautiful fortifications as Rāma’s side beholds the city before the decisive phases of the war.
Rāma’s focus on righteous purpose—he proceeds toward justice despite the intimidating grandeur of the enemy capital.