Shloka 5.50.4

रावण-प्रहस्त-हनूमद्वार्ता (Ravana and Prahasta Question Hanuman)

Devanagari script

स राजा रोषताम्राक्षः प्रहस्तं मन्त्रिसत्तमम्।कालयुक्तमुवाचेदं वचोऽविपुलमर्थवत्।।।।

Transliteration

sa rājā roṣatāmrākṣaḥ prahastaṃ mantrisattamam |

kālayuktam uvācedaṃ vaco ’vipulam arthavat ||

Translation

The king, his eyes reddened with anger, addressed Prahasta—foremost among ministers—with words that were timely, brief, and weighty in meaning.

Context

The infuriated demon king told the great minister Prahasta, these profound words in a brief manner appropriate to the hour.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Prahasta

FAQs

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

Even in crisis, speech should be measured—timely, concise, and meaningful. The verse highlights disciplined governance through controlled, purposeful communication.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān’s capture and the disturbance in Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa turns to his minister Prahasta to proceed appropriately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ministerial prudence and statecraft: the expectation that counsel and action be guided by situation-appropriate judgment (kālayukti).