Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 37
लङ्काप्राकारारोहणम् / Assault on Lanka’s Ramparts and the Opening Clash
निष्पतन्तिततःसैन्याहृष्टारावणचोदिताः ।समयेपूर्यमाणस्यवेगाइवमहोदधेः ।।।।
niṣpatanti tataḥ sainyā hṛṣṭā rāvaṇacoditāḥ |
samaye pūryamāṇasya vegā iva mahodadheḥ ||
அப்போது ராவணன் தூண்ட, மகிழ்ச்சியுற்ற படைகள் பாய்ந்து வந்தன—பிரளய நேரத்தில் மகாசமுத்திரம் நிரம்பி உப்பெழும் வேகமிகு அலைகளைப் போல.
Urged by Ravana, the army then joyfully rushed forth swiftly like a great ocean at the time of universal destruction.
FAQs
The verse highlights how collective force can be driven by a leader’s intent; when leadership is rooted in adharma, even courage and joy become ethically misdirected.
Rāvaṇa spurs his forces into action; the rākṣasa troops rush out to meet the vānaras as the battle escalates.
Not virtue but martial zeal (utsāha) is foregrounded—showing energy and unity, yet under an unrighteous command.