Shloka 6.14.13

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

Devanagari script

तीक्ष्णानतायत्तवकङ्कपत्रादुरासदाराघवविप्रमुक्ताः ।भित्वाशरीरंप्रविशन्तिबाणाःप्रहस्ततेनैवविकत्थसेत्वम् ।।।।

Transliteration

tīkṣṇā natāyatta tava kaṅka-patrā durāsadā rāghava-vipramuktāḥ | bhitvā śarīraṁ praviśanti bāṇāḥ prahasta tenaiva vikatthase tvam ||

Translation

Prahastha, sharp and deadly arrows—fletched with kaṅka-feathers and released by Rāghava—will pierce and enter your body. With that reality before you, why do you boast?

Context

"Prahastha! Sharp arrows of Rama fixed with feathers of Kanka birds are dangerous arrows. They will tear your body and penetrate. What are you boasting yourself?"

Characters & Entities

• Prahasta
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Kaṅka bird (arrow-fletching reference)

FAQs

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

Boasting (mada) without discernment violates prudent conduct; dharma includes sober self-assessment and responsible speech, especially in matters of violence.

What is the narrative situation?

A Laṅkā leader (Prahasta) is rebuked: the speaker stresses the concrete danger posed by Rāma’s arrows to curb reckless confidence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and truthfulness in counsel—speaking an unpleasant truth to prevent self-destructive action.