Shloka 6.14.1

विभीषणोपदेशः (Vibhīṣaṇa’s Counsel to Rāvaṇa and the Rākṣasa Court)

Devanagari script

निशाचरेन्द्रस्यनिशम्यवाक्यंसकुम्भकर्णस्यचगर्जितानि ।विभीषणोराक्षसराजमुख्यमुवाचवाक्यंहितमर्थयुक्तम् ।।।।

Transliteration

niśācarendrasya niśamya vākyaṃ sa-kumbhakarṇasya ca garjitāni |

vibhīṣaṇo rākṣasa-rāja-mukhyam uvāca vākyaṃ hitam artha-yuktam ||

Translation

Hearing the words of the lord of the night-rangers and the roars of Kumbhakarṇa, Vibhīṣaṇa addressed the foremost of the Rākṣasa kings with speech that was beneficial and sound in meaning.

Context

On hearing the statement of the Lord of Rakshasas and roaring of Kumbhakarna, looking at Ravana the king of Rakshasas, Vibheeshana said these good words appropriate of a noble person.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa (Niśācarendra)
• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma values hita-vākya—truthful, beneficial counsel offered even when it is unwelcome. Vibhīṣaṇa embodies satya aligned with the welfare of the realm.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Rāvaṇa’s stance and Kumbhakarṇa’s fierce reactions, Vibhīṣaṇa prepares to advise Rāvaṇa with morally grounded, practical counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage: Vibhīṣaṇa speaks for righteousness within an unrighteous court, prioritizing truth over personal safety.