Shloka 6.26.1

वानरमुख्य-परिचयः (Catalogue of Principal Vānara Leaders)

Devanagari script

तद्वचःपथ्यमक्लीबंसारणेनाभिभाषितम् ।निशम्यरावणोराजाप्रत्यभाषतसारणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

tad vacaḥ pathyam aklībaṃ sāraṇenābhibhāṣitam |

niśamya rāvaṇo rājā pratyabhāṣata sāraṇam ||6.26.1||

Translation

Hearing Sāraṇa’s frank words—sound and beneficial—King Rāvaṇa replied to him.

Context

Perceiving the truthful and beneficial words spoken by Saarana, without hesitation, King Ravana replied.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sāraṇa

FAQs

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

A dharmic court values truthful, beneficial counsel (pathya + satya). The verse foregrounds the ideal that advisors should speak plainly for the common good, and rulers should at least listen.

What is the narrative situation?

Following reconnaissance, Sāraṇa speaks to Rāvaṇa; the narrator notes the counsel’s beneficial nature and Rāvaṇa’s response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Forthright counsel (aklība): the courage to speak what is useful rather than what is pleasing.