Shloka 6.18.20

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

Devanagari script

सुग्रीवस्यतुतद्वाक्यंरामश्रुत्वाविमृश्यच ।ततश्शुभतरंवाक्यमुवाचहरिपुङ्गवम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sugrīvasya tu tad vākyaṃ rāmaḥ śrutvā vimṛśya ca | tataḥ śubhataraṃ vākyam uvāca haripuṅgavam || 6.18.20 ||

Translation

Hearing Sugrīva’s words and reflecting on them, Rāma then addressed the foremost of the Vānara leaders with words still more auspicious and fitting.

Context

Having heard the words of the leader of Vanaras that were nobler, Rama spoke these auspicious words.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• haripuṅgava (Vānara leader)

FAQs

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

Dharma begins with thoughtful discernment: Rāma listens, reflects (vimṛśya), and then speaks—modeling responsible, measured leadership.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Sugrīva’s counsel in the war context, the narration signals that Rāma is about to respond with a more elevating, dharmic statement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s prudence and self-restraint—he does not react impulsively but replies after reflection.