Shloka 6.25.17

शुकसारण-चारप्रवेशः (Suka and Sāraṇa’s Espionage and Release)

Devanagari script

तयोस्तद्वचनंश्रुत्वारामोदशरथात्मजः ।अब्रवीत्प्रहसन्वाक्यंसर्वभूतहितेरतः ।।।।

Transliteration

tayos tad-vacanaṃ śrutvā rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ | abravīt prahasan vākyaṃ sarva-bhūta-hite rataḥ ||

Translation

Hearing their words, Rāma—Daśaratha’s son, devoted to the welfare of all beings—spoke to them with a gentle smile.

Context

"On hearing (the spies) Dasaratha's son Rama who remains devoted to the wellbeing of all beings spoke these words smiling at both of them."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Śuka
• Sāraṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma of the ideal ruler: even amid war, Rāma’s orientation is sarva-bhūta-hita (the good of all beings), tempering power with compassion and measured speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma responds to the spies after hearing their confession, and his demeanor is notably calm and benevolent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate restraint—responding without rage, maintaining moral clarity in conflict.