Shloka 6.14.8

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

Devanagari script

नयक्षगन्धर्वमहोरगेभ्योभयंनसंख्येपतगोरगेभ्यः ।कथंनुरामाद्भविताभयंनोनरेन्द्रपुत्रात्समरेकदाचित् ।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ purasyāsya sa-rākṣasasya rājñaś ca pathyaṃ sa-suhṛjjanasyā | samyag hi vākyaṃ svamataṃ bravīmi narendraputrāya dadāma patnīm ||

Translation

This, I declare, is wholesome counsel for this city of rākṣasas, for the king, and for all his well-wishers: my considered advice is sound—let the wife be given back to the king’s son.

Context

"We are not afraid of Yakshas, Gandharvas, or even Nagas. We have no fear of birds or reptiles. What fear can we have of the king's son, Rama?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (king)
• Rāma (Narendra-putra)
• Sītā (patnī)
• Laṅkā (implied as the city/capital)
• Rākṣasas
• Suhṛj-jana (well-wishers)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as restitution and protection of the polity: returning Sītā is the righteous remedy that safeguards king, city, and people from the fallout of adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa offers explicit policy advice in Rāvaṇa’s court: hand Sītā back to Rāma as the only salutary course.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity in counsel—placing the common good and truth above personal security or courtly approval.