Shloka 4.35.17

तारोपदेशः — Tara’s Counsel to Lakshmana (Restraint, Time, and Mobilization)

Devanagari script

ते न शक्या रणे हन्तुमसहायेन लक्ष्मण।रावणः क्रूरकर्मा च सुग्रीवेण विशेषतः।।।।

Transliteration

te na śakyā raṇe hantum asahāyena lakṣmaṇa | rāvaṇaḥ krūra-karmā ca sugrīveṇa viśeṣataḥ ||

Translation

O Lakṣmaṇa, without allies they cannot be slain in battle—least of all by Sugrīva, and all the more when facing Rāvaṇa, cruel in his deeds.

Context

'O Lakshmana! moreover it is not possible for Sugriva alone to kill the wicked Ravana without the help of the monkeys.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma supports coordinated effort for a righteous goal: success against entrenched evil often requires unity rather than isolated heroism.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā urges Lakṣmaṇa to recognize that Sugrīva cannot fight such enemies alone; the vanara forces must assemble.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and cooperation—acknowledging limits and relying on a righteous coalition.