Shloka 6.19.36

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

Devanagari script

विभीषणस्यमन्त्रोऽयंममलक्ष्मण रोचते ।सुग्रीवःपण्डितोनित्यंभवान्मन्त्रविचक्षणः ।।6.19.36।।उभाभ्यांसम्प्रधार्यार्थंरोचतेयत्तदुच्यताम् ।

Transliteration

vibhīṣaṇasya mantro 'yaṃ mama lakṣmaṇa rocate | sugrīvaḥ paṇḍito nityaṃ bhavān mantravicakṣaṇaḥ ||6.19.36|| ubhābhyāṃ sampradhāryārthaṃ rocate yat tad ucyatām |

Translation

“Lakṣmaṇa, this counsel of Vibhīṣaṇa pleases me. Sugrīva is ever learned, and you are discerning in counsel. After you both consider what is truly useful, tell me what commends itself.”

Context

"Lakshmana! This advice of Vibheeshana is pleasing to me. Sugriva is learned, and you are always capable of good advice. That which appeals to both of you, and which is meaningful may be informed to me."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• Vibhīṣaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma requires deliberation (mantra) before action: even a righteous goal should be pursued through thoughtful, truthful, and collectively tested counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma evaluates Vibhīṣaṇa’s proposal and asks Lakṣmaṇa and Sugrīva to jointly assess and confirm the best course.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and consultative leadership—he values competence and reasoned agreement over unilateral decision-making.