Shloka 1.20.17

राज्ञः शङ्का–प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20

Devanagari script

श्रूयते हि महावीर्यो रावणो राक्षसाधिप:।।।।साक्षाद्वैश्रवणभ्राता पुत्रो विश्रवसो मुने:।

Transliteration

śrūyate hi mahāvīryo rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ | sākṣād vaiśravaṇabhrātā putro viśravaso muneḥ |

Translation

It is indeed renowned that Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, is of tremendous prowess—truly the brother of Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera) and the son of the sage Viśravas.

Context

Ravana, king of rakshasas, is the brother of Kubera and son of ascetic Visravana. He is said to possess great prowess.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Kubera (Vaiśravaṇa)
• Viśravas
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Noble birth and powerful lineage do not guarantee dharma; even one connected to revered figures can choose adharma, so righteousness is measured by conduct, not ancestry.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha identifies Rāvaṇa through well-known genealogy to convey the seriousness of the threat to Viśvāmitra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment—Daśaratha distinguishes reputation and lineage from moral worth, underscoring that power can be misused.