Shloka 6.18.6

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

Devanagari script

वानराधिपतेर्वाक्यंश्रुत्वासर्वानुदीक्ष्यच ।।।।ईषदुत्स्मयमानस्तुलक्ष्मणंपुण्यलक्षणम् ।इतिहोवाचकाकुत्स्थोवाक्यंसत्यपराक्रमः ।।।।

Transliteration

vānarādhipater vākyaṃ śrutvā sarvān udīkṣya ca | īṣad utsmayamānas tu lakṣmaṇaṃ puṇyalakṣaṇam | iti hovāca kākutstho vākyaṃ satyaparākramaḥ ||

Translation

Hearing the words of the Vānara king, Rāma of the Kakutstha line—whose valor is founded in truth—looked over everyone present, smiled faintly toward Lakṣmaṇa of auspicious marks, and then spoke.

Context

On hearing the words of the king of Vanaras, Rama of Kakuthsa dynasty and of truthful valour looked at all and threw a smile slightly at meritorious Lakshmana and spoke these words.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva (Vānarādhipati, implied by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma is deliberative restraint: before deciding on refuge and war-policy, Rāma surveys the assembly and responds without haste, grounded in satya (truth).

What is the narrative situation?

After Sugrīva’s skeptical counsel, Rāma prepares to answer, signaling measured confidence and clarity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya-based steadiness and calm leadership, and his tacit rapport with Lakṣmaṇa.