Shloka 6.18.23

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

Devanagari script

श्रूयतेहिकपोतेनशत्रुश्शरणमागतः ।अर्चितश्चयथान्यायंस्वैश्चमांसैर्निमन्त्रितः ।।।।

Transliteration

śrūyate hi kapotena śatruḥ śaraṇam āgataḥ | arcitaś ca yathānyāyaṃ svaiś ca māṃsair nimantritaḥ || 6.18.23 ||

Translation

For it is heard that a dove, when an enemy came seeking refuge, honored him according to proper custom and even offered him its own flesh.

Context

"You have heard of the (story of a) dove that offered his own flesh to an enemy who came to seek protection according to tradition (of hospitality)."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• kapota (dove)
• śatru (enemy)
• śaraṇa (refuge)

FAQs

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

Śaraṇāgati-dharma: one who seeks refuge is to be honored and protected, even if formerly an enemy.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma introduces a traditional moral exemplar (the dove) to justify a policy of protecting the one who comes seeking refuge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassion joined with unwavering adherence to righteous custom.