Shloka 6.16.6

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

Devanagari script

श्रूयन्तेहस्तिभिर्गीताश्श्लोकाःपद्मवनेक्वचित् ।पाशहस्तान्नरान्द्रुष्टवाशृणुतान्गदतोमम ।।।।

Transliteration

vidyate goṣu sampannaṃ vidyate brāhmaṇe damaḥ |

vidyate strīṣu cāpalyam vidyate jñātito bhayam ||

Translation

Among cattle there is wealth; in a brāhmaṇa there is self-restraint; in women there is fickleness; and from one’s own kin there arises fear.

Context

"In the past elephants in the lotus park, uttered some verses on seeing men holding snares in hand. I will relate those that I heard. You may listen."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• brāhmaṇa
• go (cattle)
• jñāti (kinsmen)

FAQs

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

The verse presents a moral-psychological observation: knowing characteristic tendencies helps one act wisely and uphold dharma through prudent governance and relationships.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa continues his counsel to Rāvaṇa using proverbial generalizations to stress that danger can arise from within one’s own kin-group.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom (nīti) aligned with satya—stating hard truths for moral correction.