Shloka 5.52.21

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

Devanagari script

अपि चास्मिन् हते राजन्नान्यं पश्यामि खेचरम्।इह यः पुनरागच्छेत्परं पारं महोदधेः।।।।

Transliteration

api cāsmin hate rājan nānyaṁ paśyāmi khecaram | iha yaḥ punar āgacchet paraṁ pāraṁ mahodadheḥ ||

Translation

Moreover, O king, if he is killed, I see no other who could come here again—crossing the far shore of this great ocean through the sky.

Context

"O king! If he is killed, I do not see any one who can cross this great ocean and come by air to reach this place.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• mahā-udadhi (great ocean)
• Hanumān (implied as the sky-traveller)

FAQs

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

Dharma is aligned with foresight: righteous governance avoids needless killing that can provoke greater harm; wise action weighs long-term consequences over immediate rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa argues that killing Hanumān may not even serve Laṅkā’s interests, because Hanumān’s unique capacity implies a larger threat and a need for strategic response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (viveka)—Vibhīṣaṇa reasons about capability, risk, and the larger conflict rather than focusing on revenge.