Shloka 5.52.4

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

Devanagari script

निश्चितार्थस्ततस्साम्ना पूज्यं शत्रुजिदग्रजम्।उवाच हितमत्यर्थं वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः।।।।

Transliteration

rājadharmaviruddhaṃ ca lokavṛtteś ca garhitam |

tava cāsadṛśaṃ vīra kaper asya pramāpaṇam ||

Translation

To kill this monkey would violate the dharma of kings, be condemned by accepted worldly conduct, and be unworthy of you, O hero.

Context

Then Vibhishana, who was skilled in speech having decided about his duty addressed his reverential elder brother, a conqueror of enemies in soothing, words in a meaningful, wholesome manner.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Hanumān (implied as ‘kapi’, monkey)

FAQs

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

A ruler must align punishment with rājadharma and public moral standards; actions that invite universal blame are adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa argues that executing Hanumān will damage Rāvaṇa’s legitimacy and violate diplomatic norms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and political prudence—Vibhīṣaṇa warns against disgraceful, unlawful punishment.