Shloka 23

षट्चत्वारिंशः सर्गः

Ravana Deploys Five Generals; Hanuman Destroys the Commanders and the Remaining Host

Devanagari script

स कपिर्वारयामास तं व्योम्नि शरवर्षिणम्।।।।वृष्टिमन्तं पयोदान्ते पयोदमिव मारुतः।

Transliteration

sa kapir vārayāmāsa taṃ vyomni śara-varṣiṇam | vṛṣṭimantaṃ payodānte payodam iva mārutaḥ ||

Translation

அந்த கபி வானில் அம்புமழை பொழிந்த அவனை நடுவானிலேயே தடுத்து நிறுத்தினான்—மழைக்கால முடிவில் காற்று மழைச் சுமை கொண்ட மேகத்தைப் பின்னோக்குத் தள்ளுவது போல.

Word by Word

saḥhe

kapiḥthe monkey/vanara

vārayāmāsaprevented/warded off

tamhim

vyomniin the sky

śara-varṣiṇamshowering arrows

vṛṣṭi-mantamrain-bearing / raining

payoda-anteat the end of the rainy season (lit. at cloud-end)

payodama cloud

ivalike/as

mārutaḥthe wind

Context

The great monkey kept away the showering arrows like the wind prevents rain-cloud from showering rain drops at the end of monsoon.

Characters & Entities

Hanumān

Durdhara

wind (māruta)

cloud (payoda)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes measured protection: Hanumān’s strength functions as restraint—neutralizing harm rather than being driven by rage.

What is the narrative situation?

While Durdhara showers arrows from the skyward fight, Hanumān effectively wards off the barrage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Skillful restraint (saṃyama) and competence: power guided by intelligence.