Shloka 39

विभीषणागमनम्

Vibhīṣaṇa’s Arrival and the Debate on Refuge

Devanagari script

शत्रोस्सकाशात्सम्प्राप्तस्सर्वथाशङ् क्यएवहि ।विश्वासयोग्यस्सहसानकर्तव्योविभीषणः ।।6.17.39।।

Transliteration

śatroḥ sakāśāt samprāptaḥ sarvathā śaṅkya eva hi |

viśvāsa-yogyaḥ sahasā na kartavyo vibhīṣaṇaḥ ||6.17.39||

Translation

Since Vibhīṣaṇa has come from the enemy’s side, he must indeed be regarded with suspicion in every way; he should not be trusted all at once.

Word by Word

शत्रोःof the enemy

सकाशात्from (the) vicinity

सम्प्राप्तःarrived

सर्वथाin every way

शङ्क्यःsuspectable, to be suspected

एवcertainly

हिindeed

विश्वासयोग्यःworthy of trust

सहसाsuddenly, hastily

नnot

कर्तव्यःto be done/accepted

विभीषणःVibhīṣaṇa

Context

"Since he has come from the enemy's camp suddenly, surely Vibheeshana is to be suspected in every way. He is not worthy to be trusted."

Characters & Entities

Vibhīṣaṇa

Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance includes cautious discernment: trust must be earned through verification, especially when someone defects from an adversary.

What is the narrative situation?

Angada warns Rāma that a sudden arrival from the enemy’s camp can be a tactic; therefore Vibhīṣaṇa should be tested.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (nīti) and vigilance—protecting the righteous mission from deception.