Shloka 6.16.14

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

Devanagari script

यथाशरदिमेघानांसिञ्चतामपिगर्जताम् ।नभवत्यम्बुसंक्लेदस्तथाऽनार्येषुसौहृदम् ।।।।

Transliteration

yathā śaradi meghānāṃ siñcatām api garjatām | na bhavaty ambu-saṅkledas tathā 'nāryeṣu sauhṛdam || 6.16.14 ||

Translation

As autumn clouds, though they thunder and even pour rain, do not produce lasting dampness, so too among the ignoble there is no enduring warmth of friendship.

Context

"Just as the autumn rain poured out from the thundering clouds does not dampen, in the same way unworthy ones do not have affection."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Autumn (śarad)
• Clouds (megha)

FAQs

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

Dharma prizes steadfastness; affection that appears briefly but leaves no lasting moral ‘moisture’ is unreliable and not true friendship.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa piles up similes to dismiss the possibility of genuine goodwill in the ‘unworthy,’ aiming the insult at Vibhīṣaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is steadiness and sincerity in relationships; the episode highlights how anger undermines truthful dialogue.