Shloka 5.52.24

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

Devanagari script

पराक्रमोत्साहमनस्विनां च सुरासुराणामपि दुर्जयेन।त्वया मनोनन्दन नैतानां युद्धायतिर्नाशयतुं न युक्ता।।।।

Transliteration

parākrama-utsāha-manasvināṁ ca surāsurāṇām api durjayena | tvayā manonandana naitānāṁ yuddhāyatiḥ nāśayituṁ na yuktā ||

Translation

O delight of your people! Since you are unconquerable even to devas and asuras endowed with valor, vigor, and lofty spirit, it is not fitting for you to squander, for these rākṣasas, the very opportunity of war.

Context

"O delighter of demons! even the gods and demons who are endowed with valour and energy cannot win you. You are invincible. It is not proper for you to lose chances of a good war.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• sura (devas)
• asura
• rākṣasas (implied by 'naitānām')

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as right conduct befitting one’s station: a ruler should not pursue petty, dishonorable acts (like killing an envoy) that forfeit honor and strategic advantage.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa continues to dissuade Rāvaṇa by appealing to his self-image as an invincible warrior and by arguing that executing Hanumān is tactically and ethically unsound.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Diplomatic tact—Vibhīṣaṇa couches moral correction in language of honor and reputation to maximize persuasion.