Shloka 6.112.16

रावणवधोत्तरं विभीषणशोकः—क्षत्रधर्मोपदेशः (Vibhishana’s Lament after Ravana’s Fall; Instruction on Kshatriya-Dharma)

Devanagari script

नैवंविनष्टाःशोच्यन्तेक्षत्रधर्मव्यवस्थिताः ।वृधदिमाशंसमानायेनिपतन्तिरणाजिरे ।।।।

Transliteration

naivaṃ vinaṣṭāḥ śocyante kṣatradharmavyavasthitāḥ |

vṛddhim āśaṃsamānā ye nipatanti raṇājire ||

Translation

Those steadfast in kṣatriya dharma who fall upon the battlefield, seeking honorable advancement, are not to be mourned as though they were thus “lost”.

Context

"Those kings who follow duty steadfast, desiring advancement, fearless in the battlefield, who die in that way should not be mourned."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Battlefield (raṇājira)
• Kṣatriya-dharma

FAQs

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

Kṣatriya-dharma teaches that death faced in rightful battle, with courage and purpose, is not disgrace but a duty-fulfilled end—grief should be moderated by this truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Vibhīṣaṇa not to grieve excessively, presenting a dharmic view of a warrior’s death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty—holding one’s role and obligations even amid fear, loss, and personal emotion.