Shloka 87
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः
Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
कश्मलाभिहतासन्नाबभौसारावणोरसि ।।।।स्नध्यानुरक्तेजलदेदीप्ताविद्युदिवोज्ज्वला ।
kaśmalābhihatā sannā babhau sā rāvaṇorasi |
sandhyānurakte jalade dīptā vidyud ivojjvalā ||
மயக்கத்தால் தாக்கப்பட்டு அங்கங்கள் தளர்ந்த அவள் ராவணனின் மார்பில் சாய்ந்து கிடந்தாள்; மாலைச் சிவப்பால் நிறைந்த மழைமேகத்தில் ஒளிரும் மின்னலைப் போலப் பிரகாசித்தாள்।
In a state of unconsciousness, when Mandodari, fell on Ravana's chest, shrunk in agony, she was like a flash of lightning glowing in a rainy cloud reddened by the blow of twilight.
FAQs
The verse frames tragedy with restraint and truth; Dharma in epic narration avoids sensationalism and preserves dignity even in defeat.
Mandodarī collapses upon the dead Rāvaṇa; the poet describes her appearance through a vivid simile.
Dignity in sorrow—her presence is depicted as radiant even in collapse.