Shloka 3.31.9
अकम्पनवृत्तान्तः — Akampana Reports Janasthana; Ravana Plans Sita’s Abduction
दशग्रीवोऽभयं तस्मै प्रददौ रक्षसां वरः।स विस्रब्धोऽब्रवीद्वाक्यमसन्दिग्धमकम्पनः।।3.31.9।।
daśagrīvo ’bhayaṃ tasmai pradadau rakṣasāṃ varaḥ | sa visrabdho ’bravīd vākyam asandigdham akampanaḥ || 3.31.9 ||
Daśagrīva, foremost among the rākṣasas, granted him safety. Then Akampana, reassured, spoke clearly and without hesitation.
The ten-headed Ravana, lord of the demons, assured safety to Akampana, who gratefully said these words without hesitation:
The act of granting ‘abhaya’ (assurance of safety) reflects a kingly duty in form, yet the broader context warns that dharma is not merely protection to allies but protection aligned with righteousness.
Rāvaṇa calms the immediate tension by promising Akampana safety, enabling Akampana to continue his report.
Akampana’s clarity once protected; and the political instrument of ‘abhaya’—security enabling truthful speech.