Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 37, Shloka 18
लङ्काद्वारव्यूहवर्णनम् / Disposition at the Gates of Lanka
एकैकस्यात्रयुद्धार्थेराक्षसस्यविशाम्पते ।परीवारस्सहस्राणांसहस्रमुपतिष्ठते ।।।।
ekaikasya ’tra yuddhārthe rākṣasasya viśāṃpate | parīvāraḥ sahasrāṇāṃ sahasram upatiṣṭhate ||
Ó senhor dos homens, para cada Rākṣasa aqui destinado à guerra, apresenta-se uma comitiva de auxiliares—milhares sobre milhares—pronta para apoiá-lo.
"O! Lord of men! For the sake of assisting one Rakshasa in war ten lakhs of Rakshasas are staying at his service."
FAQs
The verse underscores the gravity of war: when countless lives stand behind each fighter, Dharma demands careful, truthful assessment and restraint—war is never a light decision.
A report emphasizing the depth of Laṅkā’s manpower—each combatant is backed by massive supporting numbers.
Strategic realism and truthful reporting (satya in counsel): accurately conveying the scale of danger.