Shloka 6.30.14

शार्दूलचरवृत्तान्तः (Saardula’s Spy-Report on Rama’s Camp and the Vanara Host)

Devanagari script

मनसातंतदाप्रेक्ष्यतच्छ्रुत्वाराक्षसाधिपः ।शार्दूलंसुमहद्वाक्यमथोवाचसरावणः ।।6.30.14।।

Transliteration

purā prākāram āyāti kṣipram ekataraṃ kuru | sītāṃ vā asmai prayacchāśu yuddhaṃ vā pradīyatām ||6.30.13||

Translation

Before he reaches the ramparts, do one thing swiftly: either return Sītā to him at once, or else let battle be granted.

Context

"Having heard what has been said by Saardula, Rakshasa king reviewed in his mind and made a good statement before Saardula."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Laṅkā ramparts (prākāra)

FAQs

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

Dharma prioritizes restitution over conflict: the rightful act is to return what was wrongly taken (Sītā), avoiding needless destruction.

What is the narrative situation?

Śārdūla urges immediate decision as Rāma nears Laṅkā’s defenses: surrender Sītā or prepare for war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity in counsel: the verse frames the situation in terms of a just remedy first, and war only as the consequence of refusal.