Shloka 6.18.25

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

Devanagari script

ऋषेःकण्वस्यपुत्रेणकण्डुनापरमर्षिणा ।शृणुगाथांपुरागीतांधर्मिष्ठासत्यवादिना ।।।।

Transliteration

ṛṣeḥ kaṇvasya putreṇa kaṇḍunā paramarṣiṇā | śṛṇu gāthāṃ purā gītāṃ dharmiṣṭhā satyavādinā || 6.18.25 ||

Translation

Listen to a traditional verse once sung by the great sage Kaṇḍu, the son of Ṛṣi Kaṇva—most devoted to dharma and steadfast in truth.

Context

"In the past Kanva's son called Kandu, a sage and a truthful one used to sing verses inculcating righteousness. (I shall recite) You may listen."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Ṛṣi Kaṇva
• Kaṇḍu (sage)

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by the testimony of the truthful sages; Rāma grounds his stance in established moral teaching (ṛṣi-gāthā).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma prepares to quote an authoritative ethical maxim to guide conduct toward one who seeks refuge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for tradition and truth—Rāma appeals to reliable moral authority rather than mere opinion.