Shloka 6.16.16

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

Devanagari script

अन्यस्त्वेवंविधंब्रूयाद्वाक्यमेतन्निशाचर: ।अस्मिन्मुहूर्तेनभवेत्त्वांतुधिक्कुलपांसन ।।।।

Transliteration

vaset saha sapatnena kruddhe ’nāśīviṣeṇa vā | na tu mitra-pravādena saṃvasec chatru-sevinā ||

Translation

One may live even with a known rival, or with an angry venomous serpent; but one should not live alongside a person who claims friendship while serving one’s enemy.

Context

"O Night ranger (Vibheeshana)! If any other one had spoken such words, I would not let him live this moment and also destroy. Fie upon you."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• enemy (implicit)

FAQs

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

True friendship is measured by loyalty and right intention; professed friendship that secretly serves an enemy is adharma and more dangerous than open hostility.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s royal assembly, Vibhīṣaṇa warns Rāvaṇa about the danger of false allies and the need to discern genuine friendship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and truthful counsel—Vibhīṣaṇa speaks unpleasant but beneficial truth for the king’s welfare.