Shloka 6
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः
The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle
गोपुराट्टप्रतोलीषुचर्यासुविविधासु च ।।।।प्रासादेषु च सम्हृष्टास्ससृजुस्तेहुताशनम् ।
gopurāṭṭapratolīṣu caryāsu vividhāsu ca | prāsādeṣu ca saṃhṛṣṭāḥ sasṛjus te hutāśanam ||
Dengan girang, mereka menyalakan api pada pintu gerbang yang menjulang, loteng dan lengkungan, pelbagai lorong dan jalan, serta istana-istana—hingga pertempuran menerobos ke jantung kota.
Then the Rakshasa army appeared terrific, fixed with flags and poles, equipped with best of axes, horses yoked to formidable chariots and elephants different kinds of foot soldiers, distinguished by wielding shining tridents, maces, swords spears and lances warriors of frightening valour and prowess holding shining barbed missiles hundreds of tiny bells tied to the chariots and elephants making noise warriors endowed with arms decorated with gold, with axes and weapons to pierce arrows fixed to the bows, with an abundance of fragrance.
FAQs
The verse raises a dharmic tension: strategic acts in war can become destructive to civic life. The Ramayana often invites readers to weigh necessity against harm, emphasizing responsibility even in victory-seeking.
During the assault on Laṅkā, the Vanaras ignite key urban structures—gates, streets, and mansions—intensifying pressure on the Rākṣasas.
Zeal and fearlessness are shown, but the scene also implicitly tests maryādā (limits): righteous forces must guard against excess and uncontrolled devastation.