Shloka 6.25.21

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

Devanagari script

प्रच्छमानौविमुञ्चैतौचारौरात्रिंचरावुभौ ।शत्रुपक्षस्यसततंविभीषण: विकर्षिणौ ।।।।

Transliteration

pracchamānau vimuñcaitau cārau rātriṃcarāv ubhau | śatrupakṣasya satataṃ vibhīṣaṇa vikarṣiṇau ||

Translation

They are spies—both roamers of the night—seeking tidings and ever striving to weaken the enemy’s side; yet, O Vibhīṣaṇa, release them, for they plead.

Context

"Vibheeshana! Even though they are spies seeking to divide the enemy army as both the night rangers have been requesting, you may set them free."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Śuka
• Sāraṇa
• Enemy side (Rāvaṇa’s party)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes restraint and mercy: even when wrongdoing is evident (spying), punishment is not automatic; righteous authority may choose release to uphold higher norms.

What is the narrative situation?

Captured rākṣasa spies beg for release; Rāma orders Vibhīṣaṇa to free them despite their hostile purpose.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣamā (forbearance) and measured statecraft—strength guided by principle rather than anger.