Shloka 6.16.17

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

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तःपरुषंवाक्यंन्यायवादीविभीषणः ।उत्पपातगदापाणिश्चतुर्भिस्सहराक्षसैः ।।6.6.17।।

Transliteration

anyas tv evaṃvidhaṃ brūyād vākyam etan niśācaraḥ | asmin muhūrtena bhavet tvāṃ tu dhik kulapāṃsana ||

Translation

O night-ranger! If anyone else had spoken words of this kind, I would have ended his life this very moment. But as for you—shame on you, disgrace of the clan!

Context

Vibheeshana who was just in his argument rose up, wielding mace in hand accompanied by the four Rakshasas, when Ravana had spoken such harsh words to him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vibhīṣaṇa

FAQs

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

A ruler’s anger and ego can suppress dharmic counsel; rejecting truthful advice and abusing the advisor marks a fall from righteous governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, angered by Vibhīṣaṇa’s counsel, threatens violence and insults him in the court of Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (implicitly), Vibhīṣaṇa’s commitment to truth and welfare-counsel stands against Rāvaṇa’s wrath and pride.