Shloka 94
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः
Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
भ्रातृरूपःहिमेशत्रुरेषसर्वाहितेरतः ।।।।रावणोनार्हतेपूजांपूज्योऽपिगुरुगौरवात् ।
bhrātṛrūpaḥ hi me śatrur eṣa sarvāhitērataḥ |
rāvaṇo nārhate pūjāṃ pūjyo'pi gurugauravāt ||
„Obwohl er die Gestalt eines Bruders trägt, ist er mein Feind, dem Unheil für alle ergeben. Dieser Rāvaṇa verdient keine Ehre, selbst wenn ein älterer Bruder gewöhnlich aus der Schwere der Guru-Ehrfurcht heraus zu achten ist.“
"This Ravana remained doing harm to all and does not deserve the respect of his elder brother, or prayers. He is an enemy in the form of brother. He does not deserve to be worshipped.
FAQs
Dharma is not merely based on biological relation; sustained harm to society can negate the ordinary claims of familial reverence. The verse highlights the tension between kula-dharma (family norms) and sarva-hita (the good of all).
Vibhīṣaṇa argues that Rāvaṇa, though an elder brother, acted as an enemy and universal menace, and therefore should not receive honor from him.
Commitment to the welfare of all over personal attachment—Vibhīṣaṇa prioritizes ethical evaluation above mere kinship.