Shloka 6.24.35

लङ्कानिरीक्षणं व्यूहविन्यासश्च (Survey of Lanka and Deployment of the Battle Formation)

Devanagari script

पुराप्राकारमायान्तिक्षिप्रमेकतरंकुरु ।सीतांवास्मैप्रयच्छाशुसुयुद्धंवापिप्रदीयताम् ।।।।

Transliteration

purā prākāram āyānti kṣipram ekataraṃ kuru |

sītāṃ vā asmai prayacchāśu suyuddhaṃ vāpi pradīyatām ||

Translation

Before they reach the city wall, decide swiftly between two courses: return Sītā to him at once, or grant a proper and righteous battle.

Context

"They will reach the boundary wall. At once you may do one of the two that I suggest you do. I implore you either to give away Sita or give good battle."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• prākāra (Laṅkā’s wall/rampart)

FAQs

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

Rāja-dharma: a ruler must choose the righteous option—restore what was taken unjustly (Sītā), or face a just war; delay and evasion worsen adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Śuka urges Rāvaṇa to act immediately because the enemy host is nearing Laṅkā’s defenses.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence joined to ethics—sound counsel that aligns strategy with moral responsibility.