Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 65, Shloka 10
कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम्
Kumbhakarna’s Departure for Battle
महोदरोऽयंरामात्तुपरित्रस्तो न संशयः ।न हिरोचयतेतात युद्धंयुद्धविशारद ।।।।
mahodaro 'yaṃ rāmāt tu paritrasto na saṃśayaḥ | na hi rocayate tāta yuddhaṃ yuddhaviśārada ||
This Mahodara is frightened of Rama—there is no doubt. He does not truly approve of war, my dear, even though he is skilled in battle.
"O dear! You are an expert in war! This Mahodara is terrified at Rama. He is not desiring war. There is no doubt."
FAQs
It critiques fear-driven counsel: dharma in leadership requires clarity and steadiness, not advice distorted by panic.
Kumbhakarna exposes Mahodara’s reluctance to fight as stemming from fear of Rama while speaking to Ravana.
Candor and discernment: identifying the true motive behind an adviser’s words.