Shloka 5.52.26

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

Devanagari script

तदेकदेशेन बलस्य तावत्केचित्तवाऽऽदेशकृतोऽभियान्तुतौ राजपुत्रौ विनिगृह्य मूढौ परेषु ते भावयितुं प्रभावम्।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ rakṣodhipatiṃ kruddhaṃ tacca kāryam upasthitam |

viditvā cintayāmāsa kāryaṃ kāryavidhau sthitaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing the lord of the rākṣasas enraged and the urgent matter at hand, Vibhīṣaṇa—steadfast in discerning the proper course—reflected on what action should be taken.

Context

By your order let some strong soldiers from one contingency go and capture the two sons of the king, to exhibit your power over the enemy.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here is practical discernment: even amid anger and crisis, one should pause and choose the right procedure (kāryavidhi) rather than act impulsively.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān is seized in Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa is furious; Vibhīṣaṇa recognizes the tense moment and considers the proper response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s prudence and steadiness—his commitment to right conduct and thoughtful decision-making under pressure.