Shloka 5

लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः

The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle

Devanagari script

उल्काहस्सैर्हरिगणैस्सर्वतस्समभिद्रुताः ।।।।आरक्षस्थाविरूपाक्षास्सहसाविप्रदद्रुवुः ।

Transliteration

ulkāhastair harigaṇaiḥ sarvatas samabhidrutāḥ | ārakṣasthā virūpākṣāḥ sahasā vipradadruvuḥ ||

Translation

手执火炬的婆那罗军从四面奔袭而至；守门的罗刹们目相狰狞，顿时惊惶失措，仓皇奔逃。

Word by Word

ulkā-hastaiḥwith torches in their hands

hari-gaṇaiḥby the monkey troops

sarvataḥfrom all sides

samabhidrutāḥwere rushed at/chased

ārakṣasthāḥthose stationed on guard

virūpākṣāḥthe misshapen-eyed rakshasas

sahasāsuddenly

vipradadruvuḥfled

Context

Vanara troops went all over with torches and chased by them, the Rakshasas at the gates ran instantly.

Characters & Entities

Vānara troops (harigaṇa)

Rākṣasas (virūpākṣāḥ)

Gates of Laṅkā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma in action appears as collective courage and purposeful effort against oppression; the verse also implies that fear grips those defending an unrighteous cause when confronted by resolute unity.

What is the narrative situation?

The Vānara army advances with torches and charges the gate-guards, causing the stationed Rākṣasas to scatter and flee.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearless initiative and unity among the Vānara forces—acting together and pressing forward without hesitation.