Shloka 5.53.1

लाङ्गूलदाह-पर्यटनम् (The Burning Tail and the Parade through Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा दशग्रीवो महात्मनः।देशकालहितं वाक्यं भ्रातुरुत्तरमब्रवीत्।।5.53.1।।

Transliteration

tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā daśagrīvo mahātmanaḥ |

deśakālahitaṃ vākyaṃ bhrātur uttaram abravīt || 5.53.1 ||

Translation

Hearing those words—the counsel beneficial and fitting to time and place from his great-souled brother—Daśagrīva replied in return.

Context

The ten-headed Ravana heard his brother, the great-soul Vibhishana's timely advice which was in keeping with the laws of the land and replied.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva)
• Vibhīṣaṇa

FAQs

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

Good governance involves hearing timely counsel (deśa-kāla-hita) and responding through deliberation rather than impulsive command.

What is the narrative situation?

A new chapter begins as Rāvaṇa responds after listening to Vibhīṣaṇa’s advice regarding proper conduct and policy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentiveness to counsel and situational judgment—recognizing advice suited to time and place as a basis for decision.