Shloka 6.18.30

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

Devanagari script

एवंदोषोमहानत्रप्रपन्नानामरक्षणे ।अस्वर्ग्यंचायशस्यंचबलवीर्यविनाशनम् ।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃ doṣo mahān atra prapannānām arakṣaṇe |

asvargyaṃ cāyaśasyaṃ ca balavīryavināśanam ||

Translation

Thus, in this matter, failing to protect those who have sought refuge is a grave fault: it bars one from heaven, brings infamy, and destroys strength and valor.

Context

"One who resorts to failure in protecting a refugee, will be doing a great sin that way and will be shut out of heaven, be infamy and his strength and virility will be lost."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• prapanna (refugee/suppliant)
• svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

Protecting the surrendered (śaraṇāgata/prapanna) is a binding duty; neglecting it is a serious moral failure with spiritual and social consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is justifying why Vibhīṣaṇa (as a suppliant) must be protected and not abandoned.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s commitment to rajadharma—seeing protection of the vulnerable as central to righteous rule and personal honor.