Shloka 6.16.2

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

Devanagari script

वसेत्सहसपत्नेनक्रुद्धेऽनाशीविषेणवा ।नतुमित्रप्रवादेनसंवसेच्छत्रुसेविना ।।।।

Transliteration

sa tvaṃ bhrātā ’si me rājan brūhi māṃ yadyad icchasi | jyeṣṭho mānyaḥ pitṛsamo na ca dharmapathe sthitaḥ || idaṃ tu paruṣaṃ vākyaṃ na kṣamāmy agrajasya te |

Translation

You are my brother, O King—say to me whatever you wish. As the elder, you are worthy of honor, like a father; yet you do not stand on the path of dharma. But this harsh speech of yours—I will not forgive, even coming from an elder brother.

Context

"One can live with a known enemy or even with an angry and venomous serpent but cannot stay together with one who professes to be a friend and devoted to an enemy."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Respect for elders is dharma, but it is not blind obedience; when an elder abandons dharma and commits injustice, he is still answerable to moral truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa responds to Rāvaṇa’s insult, affirming their kinship and due respect, yet condemning Rāvaṇa’s deviation from dharma and refusing to accept abusive speech.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity with restraint—Vibhīṣaṇa balances reverence for family hierarchy with unwavering commitment to righteousness.