Shloka 6.16.20

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

Devanagari script

सुनीतंहितकामेनवाक्यमुक्तंदशानन: ।नगृह्णन्त्यकृतात्मानःकालस्यवशमागताः ।।।।

Transliteration

sunītaṃ hitakāmena vākyam uktaṃ daśānana | na gṛhṇanty akṛtātmānaḥ kālasya vaśam āgatāḥ ||

Translation

O Daśānana! Those undisciplined in spirit, having come under the sway of Kāla (Time, death), do not accept the well-guided, beneficial words spoken by one who seeks their welfare.

Context

"O Ten-headed king! Fallen under the sway of death, you are foolish. You do not understand the well prepared good words spoken by me wishing your welfare."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa (Daśānana)
• Kāla (Time/Death)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires self-mastery and receptivity to wise counsel; moral failure often begins when one refuses beneficial truth due to inner disorder and impending ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa explains why Rāvaṇa rejects good advice: his mind is ungoverned and he is rushing toward destruction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wisdom in counsel—Vibhīṣaṇa frames the conflict as ethical blindness rather than mere political disagreement.