Shloka 6.18.33

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

Devanagari script

अनयैनंहरिश्रेष्ठ: दत्तमस्याभयंमया ।विभीषणोवासुग्रीव: यदिवारावणस्स्वयम् ।।।।

Transliteration

ānayainaṃ hariśreṣṭha dattam asyābhayaṃ mayā |

vibhīṣaṇo vā sugrīva yadi vā rāvaṇaḥ svayam ||

Translation

Bring him here, O best of vānaras; I have granted him safety. Whether it be Vibhīṣaṇa, O Sugrīva—or even Rāvaṇa himself.

Context

"O best of Vanaras Sugriva Either Vibheeshana or any one by himself and even Ravana who is unprotected thus seeks security from me, I will offer protection."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is impartial: the vow of protection applies even to an enemy if he truly seeks refuge.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Sugrīva to bring the suppliant in, declaring that asylum has already been granted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fair-mindedness and steadfastness—Rāma does not tailor dharma to convenience or hostility.