Shloka 6.16.24

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

Devanagari script

शूराश्चबलवन्तश्चकृतास्त्राश्चरणाजिरे ।कालाभिपन्नास्सीदन्तियथावालुकसेतव ।।।।

Transliteration

śūrāś ca balavantaś ca kṛtāstrāś ca raṇājire | kālābhipannāḥ sīdanti yathā vālukasetavaḥ ||

Translation

On the battlefield, even heroes—mighty and skilled in weapons—sink when seized by Time, like embankments made of sand.

Context

"Even the heroic archers and mighty men wielding weapons will fall in war seized by death like the dams of sands."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Kāla (Time/Death)
• battlefield (raṇājira)

FAQs

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

Power and skill do not defeat moral consequence and mortality; dharma urges humility and timely right action before Time overwhelms all.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa warns Rāvaṇa against overconfidence in martial strength, stressing that death can topple even the greatest warriors.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and humility—recognizing limits of force and the need to choose dharma over pride.