Shloka 6.16.22

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

Devanagari script

बद्धंकालस्यपाशेनसर्वभूतापहारिणा ।ननश्यन्तमुपेक्षेत्वांप्रदीप्तंशरणंयथा ।।।।

Transliteration

baddhaṃ kālasya pāśena sarvabhūtāpahāriṇā | na naśyantam upekṣet tvāṃ pradīptaṃ śaraṇaṃ yathā ||

Translation

Bound by the noose of Kāla, who carries off all beings, you are headed for ruin; one should not ignore you—like a blazing house one cannot disregard.

Context

"Bound by the noose of death which is the cause of destruction of all beings you are going to be killed just as the burning house if you ignore my advice."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Kāla (Time/Death)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes urgent prevention of harm: when destruction is imminent, wise counsel must not be dismissed, just as one cannot ignore a house on fire.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa warns Rāvaṇa that death is closing in and that ignoring counsel will lead to inevitable downfall.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate responsibility—Vibhīṣaṇa still attempts to save Rāvaṇa from self-destruction.