अतिष्ठत् मर्गमावृत्त्य रामस्येन्दोरिव ग्रहः ॥१२.२८॥
Notes: As if it were a foretaste of the troubles looming ahead, all centred around the irresistible beauty of Devī Sītā, the trio of Śrīrāma, Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, now encounter a demon by the name of Virādha. A contextual explanation for his appearance can wait since, just now, Kālidāsa is telling us with great alarm that suddenly, a dark reddish brown figure loomed large on Śrīrāma's path, looking like a foreboding cloud lit by the setting sun. The predator almost engulfed the prince with his looming presence, much like the way Rāhu swallows up the beautiful moon during the eclipse. Remember that lunar eclipse happens only on the day of the full moon when he would be shining with maximum splendour. Therefore, every lunar eclipse is indeed an alarming phenomenon, as this dark, unidentifiable figure comes and swallows up the charming moon when we least expect it.
Kālidāsa says, "Like the dark brown-reddish cloud at sunset, a Rākṣasa by the name of Virādha stood, engulfing the path of Śrīrāma, like the demon Rāhu who affects the moon."
Here again, we see the poetic prowess of Kālidāsa as he paints a colourful picture with the minimum of words, highlighting the contrast between the fearsome predator and the charming, peace-loving prince.
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जय श्रीराम!
