Shloka 6.18.32

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

Devanagari script

सकृदेवप्रपन्नायतवास्मीतिचयाचते ।अभयंसर्वभूतेभ्योददाम्येतद्व्रतंमम ।।।।

Transliteration

sakṛd eva prapannāya tavāsmīti ca yācate |

abhayaṃ sarvabhūtebhyo dadāmy etad vrataṃ mama ||

Translation

To one who seeks refuge even once and pleads, “I am yours,” I grant fearlessness from all beings—this is my vow.

Context

"I will provide protection from all living beings for the one who seeks protection from me and begs in this way. This is my vow."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• prapanna (suppliant)
• sarvabhūta (all beings)

FAQs

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

Absolute protection to the one who surrenders: once refuge is sought sincerely, granting safety (abhaya) becomes a sacred obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma publicly declares his universal rule of asylum while deciding Vibhīṣaṇa’s case.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and compassion—Rāma’s promise is unconditional and meant to remove fear.