Shloka 5.52.19

दूतधर्म-परामर्शः (Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court)

Devanagari script

न चाप्यस्य कपेर्घाते कञ्चित्पश्याम्यहं गुणम्।तेष्वयं पात्यतां दण्डो यैरयं प्रेषितः कपिः।।।।

Transliteration

na cāpy asya kaper ghāte kañcit paśyāmy ahaṁ guṇam | teṣv ayaṁ pātyatāṁ daṇḍo yair ayaṁ preṣitaḥ kapiḥ ||

Translation

And I see no benefit at all in killing this monkey. Let punishment fall instead upon those by whom this monkey was sent.

Context

"I do not see any use in killing this monkey. Pronounce punishment on those who have sent this vanara.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• kapi (Hanumān as envoy)

FAQs

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

Punishment (daṇḍa) should be directed with discernment: harming an emissary is unproductive and unethical; accountability should be assigned to the responsible principals behind the mission.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān’s capture, debate arises in Rāvaṇa’s court about what should be done; Vibhīṣaṇa argues against execution and for a more rational, targeted response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Justice tempered by reason—Vibhīṣaṇa emphasizes utility and fairness rather than impulsive vengeance.