Shloka 21
शुकसारणनिग्रहः / Ravana Rebukes Suka and Sārana; Spies Reconnoiter Rama’s Camp
कथंस्वपितिजागर्तिकिमन्यच्चकरिष्यति ।विज्ञायनिपुणंसर्वमागन्तव्यमशेषतः ।।।।
kathaṃ svapiti jāgarti kim anyac ca kariṣyati | vijñāya nipuṇaṃ sarvam āgantavyam aśeṣataḥ ||
„Seht, wie er schläft und wie er wacht, und was er sonst zu tun beabsichtigt; erkundet alles kundig und vollständig, und kehrt dann zurück.“
"From here you go and reach there you may observe perceptions of Rama and of others close to him, his ministers and those who have reached there in affection to him."
FAQs
It emphasizes thorough knowledge before action; in dharmic terms, decisions should be grounded in truth (satya) and careful verification, not rumor or impulse.
Rāvaṇa instructs spies to collect comprehensive intelligence on Rāma’s routines and intentions and report back.
Meticulousness and completeness in inquiry—an aspect of practical wisdom (nipuṇatā), regardless of the user’s moral standing.