Shloka 6.18.31

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

Devanagari script

करिष्यामियथार्थंतुकण्डोर्वचनमुत्तमम् ।धर्मिष्ठंचयशस्यंचस्वर्ग्यंस्यात्तुफलोदये ।।।।

Transliteration

kariṣyāmi yathārthaṃ tu kaṇḍor vacanam uttamam |

dharmiṣṭhaṃ ca yaśasyaṃ ca svargyaṃ syāt tu phalodaye ||

Translation

I will act in accordance with the excellent and truthful words of Kandu: such conduct is most righteous, brings fame, and in due time yields heaven as its fruit.

Context

"Excellent and meaningful words have been said by sage Kandu (about one who protects a refugee), that is by doing one's righteous duty. He will be not only famous but reach heaven as a result of his action."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kandu (sage)
• svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

Rāma grounds his decision in authoritative dharmic teaching: protecting a refugee is righteous, honor-giving, and spiritually fruitful.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma cites the sage Kandu’s teaching to reinforce the duty to protect Vibhīṣaṇa who has sought refuge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya and dharma-niṣṭhā—Rāma’s resolve to align action with true, principled counsel.