Shloka 5.52.22

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

Devanagari script

तस्मान्नास्य वधे यत्नः कार्य: परपुरञ्जय।भवान् सेन्द्रेषु देवेषु यत्नमास्थातुमर्हति।।।।

Transliteration

tasmān nāsya vadhe yatnaḥ kāryaḥ parapurañjaya | bhavān sendreṣu deveṣu yatnam āsthātum arhati ||

Translation

Therefore, O conqueror of enemy citadels, no effort should be spent on killing him. You are fit to direct your efforts against the devas, even those led by Indra.

Context

"You who can conquer citadels of enemies should not direct your efforts to kill an envoy.You are fit to make efforts against enemies like gods including Indra.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Indra
• devas

FAQs

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

Power should be used in rightful arenas: dharma forbids misdirected violence (killing an envoy) and urges action consistent with warrior code and political responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa redirects Rāvaṇa’s impulse from executing Hanumān toward confronting true opponents, reinforcing both dharma and strategic priorities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discrimination in action—choosing targets and methods that are both effective and ethically permissible.