Shloka 6.30.16

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वामहातेजारावणःपुनरब्रवीत् ।चरिताभवतासेनाकेऽत्रशूराःप्लवङ्गमाः ।।6.30.16।।

Transliteration

yadi māṃ pratiyudhyeran devagandharvadānavāḥ | naiva sītāṃ pradāsyāmi sarvalokabhayād api ||6.30.15||

Translation

Even if Devas, Gandharvas, and Dānavas were to wage war against me, and even if all the worlds threatened me, I will not give Sītā back.

Context

Glorious Ravana having spoken like that, again said (to Saardula), "You moved about in the army (camp) there. Tell me who among the monkeys are warriors?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Devas
• Gandharvas
• Dānavas
• all worlds (sarvaloka)

FAQs

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

As a negative example, it shows the collapse of dharma when one clings to wrongdoing despite universal consequence; truth and justice demand restitution, not defiance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa replies to the report by declaring that no force—even divine—will compel him to return Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not virtue but a vice: stubborn pride (ahaṅkāra) and attachment that overrides moral duty.