Shloka 6.18.13

शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana

Devanagari script

नवयंतत्कुलीनाश्चराज्यकाङ् क्षीचराक्षसः ।पण्डिताहिभविष्यन्तितस्माद्ग्राह्योविभीषणः ।।।।

Transliteration

yas tu doṣas tvayā prokto hy ādāne ’ribalasyaca | tatra te kīrtayiṣyāmi yathā śāstram idaṃ śṛṇu ||

Translation

As for the fault you have mentioned—accepting one who belongs to the enemy’s power—I will explain to you what the authoritative teaching of the śāstra says; listen to this.

Context

"We do not belong to their clan. Among Rakshasas there are some learned ones. Vibheeshana has come because of his desire for their (Rakshasa) kingdom, perhaps ?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• enemy side (ari-bala)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance relies on informed judgment: decisions should be grounded in śāstra (principled guidance), not merely fear or anger.

What is the narrative situation?

Objections are raised about trusting someone from the enemy camp; Rāma responds that he will address the issue according to established teachings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Intellectual integrity: appealing to reasoned tradition and principled norms in a crisis.