Shloka 6.112.19

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

Devanagari script

इयंहिपूर्वैस्सन्दिष्टागतिःक्षत्रियसम्मता ।क्षत्रियोनिहतंसङ्ख्ये न शोच्यइतिनिश्चयः ।।।।

Transliteration

iyaṃ hi pūrvaiḥ sandeṣṭā gatiḥ kṣatriya-sammatā |

kṣatriyo nihataḥ saṅkhye na śocya iti niścayaḥ ||

Translation

This is the course laid down by the ancients and approved for kṣatriyas: a kṣatriya slain in battle is not to be mourned—such is the settled rule.

Context

"This course has been practised in the past by ancient kings for those killed in war. Warrior killed in war is not to be mourned', is true."

FAQs

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

A warrior’s duty accepts death in battle as honorable; excessive lamentation is restrained by the tradition of kṣatriya-dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker instructs the grieving party to interpret the death through the lens of established warrior ethics.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dharma-jñāna (knowledge of duty) and self-control in sorrow.