Shloka 6.25.9

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

Devanagari script

इतिप्रतिसमादिष्टौराक्षसौशुकसारणौ ।हरिरूपधरौवीरौप्रविष्टौवानरंबलम् ।।।।

Transliteration

iti pratisamādiṣṭau rākṣasau śukasāraṇau |

harirūpadharau vīrau praviṣṭau vānaraṃ balam ||6.25.9||

Translation

Thus instructed, the two Rākṣasa warriors, Śuka and Sāraṇa, assumed the form of Vānaras and entered the Vānara host.

Context

Having accepted the order, both the Rakshasa heroes, Suka and Saarana took the form of Vanaras and entered the Vanara army.

Characters & Entities

• Śuka
• Sāraṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Vānara army

FAQs

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

The verse presents disguise and espionage as a war practice, inviting reflection on dharma-yuddha: tactical deception may occur, yet the epic repeatedly contrasts such methods with the ideal of satya-centered conduct embodied by Rāma.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving Rāvaṇa’s orders, Śuka and Sāraṇa infiltrate the Vānara camp by taking Vānara forms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Stealth and adaptability (as practical skills), though ethically framed in the broader narrative as tools of the opposing side.