Shloka 6.16.12

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

Devanagari script

यथामधुकरस्तर्षाद्रसंविन्दन्नविद्यते ।तथात्वमपितत्रैवतथानार्येषुसौहृदम् ।।।।

Transliteration

yathā madhukaras tarṣād rasaṃ vindann avidyate | tathā tvam api tatraiva tathā 'nāryeṣu sauhṛdam || 6.16.12 ||

Translation

As a bee, in its thirst, having obtained the sweet juice, shows no true regard thereafter, so too—he implies—there is no genuine friendship among the ignoble.

Context

"Just as honeybees do not have gratitude after drinking (honey) and satisfying, the friendship with an unworthy person like you is of no use."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Bee (madhukara)

FAQs

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

Dharma upholds gratitude and loyalty; relationships lacking these become transactional—an ethical warning against exploiting others and then abandoning them.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues to deride Vibhīṣaṇa using a bee simile to claim the ‘unworthy’ cannot maintain true affection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue implied is gratitude (kṛtajñatā) and steadfastness; the scene shows how Rāvaṇa’s anger weaponizes moral language.