Shloka 5.51.37

हनूमदुपदेशः रावणस्य च कोपः (Hanuman’s Counsel to Ravana and Ravana’s Wrath)

Devanagari script

स्वानि मित्राणि मन्त्रींश्च ज्ञातीन् भ्रात्रून् सुतान् हितान्।।।।भोगान्दारांश्च लङ्कां च मा विनाशमुपानय।

Transliteration

svāni mitrāṇi mantrīṃś ca jñātīn bhrātrūn sutān hitān; bhogān dārāṃś ca laṅkāṃ ca mā vināśam upānaya.

Translation

Do not lead to destruction your own friends, ministers, kinsmen, brothers, sons, well-wishers—your enjoyments, your wives, and even Lanka itself.

Context

"Do not pave the path of your friends, ministers, clan, brothers and sisters, sons, well-wishers, wives and luxuries and Lanka to destruction.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Ravana
• Lanka

FAQs

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

A ruler’s adharma destroys not only himself but dependents and the entire realm; dharma in kingship is protection of all.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman appeals to Ravana’s sense of responsibility, warning that his choices will annihilate family, ministers, and the city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Concern for loka-kṣema (public welfare): even as an enemy, Hanuman speaks for the prevention of needless ruin.