Shloka 6.16.5

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

Devanagari script

नित्यमन्योन्यसम्हृष्टाव्यसनेष्वाततायिनः ।प्रच्छन्नहृदयाघोराज्ञातयस्तुभयावहाः ।।।।

Transliteration

upāyam ete vakṣyanti grahaṇenātra saṃśayaḥ |

kṛtsnād bhayād jñāti-bhayaṃ su-kaṣṭaṃ viditaṃ ca naḥ ||

Translation

There is no doubt: they will teach the methods to seize us. Of all fears, fear arising from one’s own kinsmen is the hardest—this is well known to us.

Context

"Pretending to be friendly forever the relatives rejoice in them is fortunes of their relatives. They create terrible fear like desperadoes and covertly ones."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• jñāti (kinsmen/relatives)

FAQs

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

Dharma underscores integrity in relationships; betrayal by insiders is uniquely destructive, so one must cultivate loyalty and righteousness within the family and state.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa argues that internal betrayal and selfish counsel are more perilous than open enemies, urging Rāvaṇa to abandon adharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective wisdom: anticipating harm and steering a leader toward right conduct.