Shloka 6.16.3

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

Devanagari script

जानामिशीलंज्ञातीनांसर्वलोकेषुराक्षस: ।हृष्यन्तिव्यसनेष्वेतेज्ञातीनाज्ञातयस्सदा ।।।।

Transliteration

śrūyante hastibhir gītāḥ ślokāḥ padmavane kvacit |

pāśa-hastān narān dṛṣṭvā śṛṇutān gadato mama ||

Translation

It is said that once, in a lotus-grove, elephants sang ślokas when they saw men holding snares. Listen as I recount those verses.

Context

"The behaviour of close relatives in all worlds is known to me. They are happy at the difficulties of relatives."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• padmavana (lotus-grove)
• hastin (elephants)
• pāśa (noose/snares)

FAQs

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

Dharma-based teaching often uses illustrative stories; wisdom is conveyed through parable to awaken discernment and right action.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa introduces a proverbial teaching (attributed to elephants) to underscore the dangers surrounding a ruler—especially hidden threats.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pedagogical wisdom: using memorable examples to communicate truth effectively.