Shloka 6.18.18

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसोजिह्मयाबुध्यासन्दिष्टोऽयमिहागतः ।प्रहर्तुंत्वयिविश्वस्तेप्रच्छन्नोमयिवानघ ।।।।लक्ष्मणेवामहाबाहो सवध्यस्सचिवैस्सहा ।रावणस्यनृशंसस्यभ्राताह्येषविभीषणः ।।एवमुक्त्वारघुश्रेष्ठंसुग्रीवोवाहिनीपतिः ।वाक्यज्ञोवाक्यकुशलंततोमौनमुपागमत् ।।।।

Transliteration

rāvaṇena praṇihitaṃ tam avehi vibhīṣaṇam | tasyāhaṃ nigrahaṃ manye kṣamaṃ kṣamavatāṃ vara ||

Translation

Know that Vibhīṣaṇa has been sent by Rāvaṇa. I consider it proper that he be restrained—O best among the forbearing.

Context

"O sinless mightyarmed Rama I believe that this Rakshasa has been sent to come here covertly to strike at you or me or Lakshmana. On knowing that you are here the cruel Ravana's brother has come greedily along with his counsellors to kill you."Sugriva the chief of the army, who was good at speech and adept in expression, having said to Rama, the best among the Raghu race, remained silent thereafter.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Protective duty: a leader’s ally must warn of danger; dharma in war includes preventing deception and safeguarding the righteous cause.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva openly advises Rāma that Vibhīṣaṇa may be an agent of Rāvaṇa and should be restrained.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s vigilance and frank counsel, offered respectfully to a patient and principled king.