Shloka 6.30.15

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

Devanagari script

यदिमांप्रतियुध्येरन्देवगन्धर्वदानवाः ।नैवसीतांप्रदास्यामिसर्वलोकभयादपि ।।6.30.15।।

Transliteration

manasā taṃ tadā prekṣya tac chrutvā rākṣasādhipaḥ | śārdūlaṃ sumahad vākyaṃ athovāca sa rāvaṇaḥ ||6.30.14||

Translation

Having heard it and weighed it in his mind, Rāvaṇa, lord of the Rākṣasas, then addressed Śārdūla with a weighty reply.

Context

"Even if Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas come to wage war with me and even if I have threats from all worlds, I will not give away Sita."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Śārdūla
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

The verse points to deliberation as a duty of leadership—reflecting before speaking—though later choices determine whether that deliberation aligns with dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Śārdūla’s report and advice, Rāvaṇa reflects and prepares to respond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vicāra (reflection): the act of mentally reviewing counsel before replying.