Shloka 9

लङ्कादुर्गवर्णनम्

Description of Lanka’s Fortifications and Forces

Devanagari script

राक्षसाश्चयथास्निग्धारावणस्यचतेजसा ।परांसमृद्धिंलङ्कायास्सागरस्यचभीमताम् ।।6.3.8।।विभागंचबलौघस्यनिर्देशंवाहनस्यच ।एवमुक्त्वाकपिश्रेष्ठःकथयामासतत्त्ववित: ।।6.3.9।।

Transliteration

vibhāgaṃ ca balaughasya nirdēśaṃ vāhanasya ca |

evam uktvā kapiśreṣṭhaḥ kathayāmāsa tattvavit ||6.3.9||

Translation

Ngài cũng phân định các đạo quân trong đại binh đoàn và sắp đặt các phương tiện, xe cộ; nói như vậy rồi, bậc tối thắng trong loài khỉ—người thấu triệt chân thật—bắt đầu thuật kể tường tận.

Word by Word

राक्षसाःrakshasas

चand

यथाas, just as

स्निग्धाःaffectionate, devoted

रावणस्यof Ravana

चand

तेजसाby (his) power/splendour

पराम्supreme, excellent

समृद्धिम्prosperity, abundance

लङ्कायाःof Lanka

सागरस्यof the ocean

चand

भीमताम्terribleness, dreadfulness

Context

"While smitten by the monkeys, offering salutation with folded hands, and pleading for protection from Raghava, luckily, I am alive."

Characters & Entities

Hanuman (kapiśreṣṭha)

Rama (implied listener)

Army (balaugha)

FAQs

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

Dharma in counsel is completeness and accuracy—truthful, structured information supports just decisions and reduces unnecessary suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration frames Hanuman’s systematic report, including organization of forces and logistical details.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truth-knowledge (tattvavit) and method—Hanuman’s report is orderly and reality-based.