Shloka 5.52.27

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

Devanagari script

निशाचराणामधिपोऽनुजस्य विभीषणस्योत्तमवाक्यमिष्टम्।जग्राह बुद्ध्या सुरलोकशत्रु र्महाबलो राक्षसराजमुख्यः।।।।

Transliteration

niścitārthas tatas sāmnā pūjyaṃ śatrujid agrajam |

uvāca hitam atyarthaṃ vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradaḥ ||

Translation

Having resolved what ought to be done, Vibhīṣaṇa—skilled in speech—addressed his revered elder brother, the conqueror of foes, with gentle words that were deeply beneficial.

Context

The mighty chief among the demon kings, a king of the night-roamers and the enemy of gods accepted the words of advice of his younger brother Vibhishana.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē sundarakāṇḍē dvipañcāśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the fiftysecond sarga of Sundarakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Right counsel should be offered with restraint and respect; dharma is upheld not only by what is said but by how it is said—through conciliatory, beneficial speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa prepares to advise Rāvaṇa on how to treat the captured messenger (Hanumān), choosing a calming approach.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s tact and moral courage: he speaks truth for the good of the kingdom while honoring his elder brother.