Shloka 6.19.21

विभीषणाभिषेकः — The Consecration of Vibhishana and Counsel on Crossing the Ocean

Devanagari script

अहत्वारावणंसङ् ख्येसपुत्रजनबान्धवम् ।अयोध्यांनप्रवेक्ष्यामित्रिभिस्तैर्भ्रातृभिश्शपे ।।6.19.21।।

Transliteration

ahatvā rāvaṇaṃ saṅkhye sa-putra-jana-bāndhavam | ayodhyāṃ na pravekṣyāmi tribhis tair bhrātṛbhiḥ śape || 6.19.21 ||

Translation

Unless I slay Rāvaṇa in battle, together with his sons, followers, and kinsmen, I shall not enter Ayodhyā—I swear it by my three brothers.

Context

"I vow upon my three brothers that I will not enter Ayodhya without putting an end to Ravana along with his people, sons and relatives."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Ayodhyā
• Rāma’s three brothers (Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna)

FAQs

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

Maryādā and satya: a righteous person binds himself by a solemn vow and refuses personal comfort (return to Ayodhyā) until the duty of justice is completed.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma publicly commits that he will not return to Ayodhyā until Rāvaṇa and his supporting network are defeated in war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and accountability—Rāma stakes his own return and invokes his brothers as witnesses to his unwavering commitment.