Shloka 5.52.20

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

Devanagari script

साधुर्वा यदि वाऽसाधुः परैरेष समर्पितः।ब्रुवन् परार्थं परवान्न दूतो वधमर्हति।।।।

Transliteration

sādhur vā yadi vā asādhuḥ parair eṣa samarpitaḥ | bruvan parārthaṁ paravān na dūto vadham arhati ||

Translation

Whether gentle or harsh, he has been sent by others; he speaks another’s purpose and is under another’s authority. Therefore an envoy does not deserve to be slain.

Context

"Whether he is soft or harsh, he has been sent by others. He is speaking on other's behalf and is dependent on them. An emissary does not deserve to be killed.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• dūta (envoy—Hanumān)

FAQs

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

An envoy is protected by dharma regardless of tone or message, because he is a representative voice; killing him attacks the channel of truthful communication rather than addressing the actual adversary.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa formally states the rule of conduct: even if Hanumān spoke harshly, he remains an emissary and must not be executed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to lawful conduct (maryādā) in conflict—Vibhīṣaṇa upholds diplomatic norms even in an enemy’s court.