Shloka 4.58.19

सम्पातिवाक्यम् (Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

पुत्रो विश्रवस स्साक्षाद्भ्राता वैश्रवणस्य च।अध्यास्ते नगरीं लङ्कां रावणो नाम राक्षसः।।4.58.19।।

Transliteration

tāṃ tu sītām ahaṃ manye rāmasya parikīrtanāt |

śrūyatāṃ me kathayato nilayaṃ tasya rakṣasaḥ || 4.58.18 ||

Translation

Because she kept uttering Rāma’s name, I believe she was Sītā. Now listen as I describe the dwelling of that rākṣasa.

Context

'He is Vishrava's son and half-brother of Vaishravana. His name is Ravana and he resides in the city of Lanka.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rākṣasa (Rāvaṇa implied)
• Laṅkā (implied by upcoming description)

FAQs

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

Truth-seeking through careful inference: Sampāti does not claim certainty without reason; he bases identification on evidence (her calling Rāma).

What is the narrative situation?

Sampāti concludes the abducted woman is likely Sītā and prepares to give actionable intelligence about the abductor’s residence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and responsible speech: he differentiates belief from direct proof while still helping the mission.