Shloka 6.26.10

वानरमुख्य-परिचयः (Catalogue of Principal Vānara Leaders)

Devanagari script

सारणोराक्षसेन्द्रस्यवचनंपरिपृच्छतः ।आचचक्षेऽथमुख्यज्ञोमुख्यांस्तांस्तुवनौकसः ।।।।

Transliteration

sāraṇo rākṣasendrasya vacanaṃ paripṛcchataḥ |

ācacakṣe 'tha mukhyajño mukhyāṃs tāṃs tu vanaukasaḥ ||6.26.10||

Translation

When the lord of the Rākṣasas questioned him, Sāraṇa—well-versed in who mattered most—began to describe the foremost leaders among the forest-dwellers (the Vānaras).

Context

Hearing the words asked by Rakshasendra, Saarana, who knew the important ones, thus spoke out about the important monkey leaders.

Characters & Entities

• Sāraṇa
• Rāvaṇa (Rākṣasendra)
• Vānara leaders (vanaukasaḥ)

FAQs

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

Truthful reporting is framed as a duty of the messenger/advisor: knowledge must be communicated clearly and accurately when asked, because decisions in war affect countless lives.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa questions Sāraṇa, who begins listing and describing the principal Vānara commanders.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competence and clarity in counsel: knowing the “key persons” and presenting that knowledge effectively.