Shloka 6.30.2

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

Devanagari script

चाराणांरावणश्श्रुत्वाप्राप्तंरामंमहाबलम् ।जातोद्वेगोऽभवत्किञ्चिच्छार्दूलंवाक्यमब्रवीत् ।।6.30.2।।

Transliteration

athaivam uktaḥ śārdūlo rāvaṇenottamaś caraḥ | idaṃ vacanam ārebhe vaktuṃ rāvaṇasannidhau ||6.30.19||

Translation

Thus addressed by Rāvaṇa, Śārdūla—the excellent spy—began to speak these words in Rāvaṇa’s presence.

Context

On hearing from the spies that Rama has camped with a great army, Ravana got a little panicky and said these words to Saardula.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Śārdūla

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds satya in service roles: an agent’s duty is faithful, accurate reporting, especially when decisions of war and peace depend on it.

What is the narrative situation?

After being questioned by Rāvaṇa, Śārdūla prepares to deliver a detailed report in court.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability in duty: the ‘excellent spy’ is characterized by competence and readiness to present information clearly.