Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 10, Shloka 3

विभीषणोपदेशः

Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana and the Catalogue of Omens

Devanagari script

मतिमद्भिर्महामात्रैरनुरक्तैरधिष्ठितम् ।राक्षसैराप्तपर्याप्तैस्सर्वतःपरिरक्षितम् ।।।।

Transliteration

matimadbhir mahāmātrair anuraktair adhiṣṭhitam |

rākṣasair āptaparyāptaiḥ sarvataḥ parirakṣitam ||

Translation

وكانت تُدار على يد وزراء عظامٍ حكماء أوفياء، وتُحرس من كل جانبٍ حراسةً محكمةً بركشاسا قادرين موثوقين.

Word by Word

• matimadbhiḥ: by the wise/intelligent (ones)
• matimadbhiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: matimat (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (masculine), तृतीया विभक्ति (Instrumental/3rd), बहुवचन (plural); विशेषण

• mahā-mātraiḥ: by great ministers/officials
• mahā-mātraiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mahā + mātra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• anuraktaiḥ: by the devoted/attached (ones)
• anuraktaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: anurakta (कृदन्त; √rañj रञ्ज् + anu- उपसर्ग, क्त)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त (past passive participle) used adjectivally

• adhiṣṭhitam: ruled/commanded
• adhiṣṭhitam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: adhi-√sthā (धाातु; स्था) + kta (कृदन्त)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त; (being) governed/commanded

• rākṣasaiḥ: by Rakshasas
• rākṣasaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: rākṣasa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन

• āpta-paryāptaiḥ: by trustworthy and competent (ones)
• āpta-paryāptaiḥ: Karana (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: āpta + paryāpta (कृदन्त/प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया, बहुवचन; समाहार-द्वन्द्वार्थ (trustworthy and competent) used as a single qualifier

• sarvataḥ: on all sides
• sarvataḥ: Adhikarana (अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: sarvatas (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (adverb), दिशार्थ/परिमाणार्थ: ‘from all sides/everywhere’

• parirakṣitam: well protected
• parirakṣitam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: pari-√rakṣ (धातु; रक्ष्) + kta (कृदन्त)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त; (being) well-guarded

Context

At the entrance of the capital are heard thunderous sounds of carnivorous animals collected together sounding like thunder.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as rājadharma (duty of governance): a realm functions properly when guided by wise counsel and protected by competent guardians.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration describes the disciplined administration and strong security arrangements of the rākṣasa establishment in Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competence and loyalty in public service—officials and guards are portrayed as devoted and capable.