Shloka 6.16.1

विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम् (Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel)

Devanagari script

सुनिविष्टंहितंवाक्यमुक्तवन्तंविभीषणम् ।अब्रवीत्परुषंवाक्यंरावणःकालचोदितः ।।।।

Transliteration

suniviṣṭaṃ hitaṃ vākyam uktavantaṃ vibhīṣaṇam | abravīt paruṣaṃ vākyam rāvaṇaḥ kāla-coditaḥ || 6.16.1 ||

Translation

Though Vibhīṣaṇa had spoken words well-founded and beneficial, Rāvaṇa—driven by fate and nearing death—replied with harsh speech.

Context

While Vibheeshana advised in Ravana's favour with all good intention, Ravana who was under the influence of death spoke harsh words.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Kāla (Time/Death, personified)

FAQs

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

Dharma esteems accepting beneficial truth (hita) even when unpleasant; rejecting good counsel and responding with harshness accelerates moral and practical ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vibhīṣaṇa offers well-meant advice, Rāvaṇa answers angrily, showing he is no longer receptive to righteous counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast: Vibhīṣaṇa’s well-intentioned speech; negatively, Rāvaṇa’s vice of anger and obstinate refusal of truth.