Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 71, Shloka 27
अतिकायवधः
The Slaying of Atikāya
दशग्रीवोमहातेजाराजावैश्रवणानुजः ।भीमकर्मामहोत्साहोरावणोराक्षसाधिपः ।।।।
daśagrīvo mahātejā rājā vaiśravaṇānujaḥ | bhīmakarmā mahotsāho rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ ||
Si Rāvaṇa—ang may sampung leeg, dakila ang ningning—ang hari, nakababatang kapatid ni Vaiśravaṇa; gumagawa ng kakila-kilabot na gawa at may napakalaking tapang at pagsisikap, siya ang panginoon ng mga Rākṣasa.
"The ten-headed and highly brilliant king Ravana, who is the brother of Vysravana, is of terrible deeds and highly exploitative."
FAQs
The verse frames the adversary’s power and position, setting up Dharma’s demand that might and kingship be restrained by righteousness—otherwise they become instruments of terror.
Vibhishana identifies Ravana, describing his stature, lineage (as Kubera’s younger brother), and fearful nature.
For Vibhishana: truthful reporting; for Ravana: energy and capability are acknowledged, though morally misdirected in the epic’s larger frame.