Shloka 6.30.30

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

Devanagari script

वक्तुंनशक्तोरामस्यनरःकश्चिद्गुणान् क्षितौ ।जनस्थानगतायेनयावन्तोराक्षसाहताः ।।6.30.30।।

Transliteration

iti tenānuśiṣṭas tu vācaṁ mandam udīrayat |

tadā rākṣasaśārdūlaṁ śārdūlo bhayavihvalaḥ ||6.30.4||

Translation

Thus questioned and admonished by him, Śārdūla—overwhelmed with fear—then spoke in a faint voice to that tiger among the rākṣasas.

Context

"It is not even possible to recount the virtues of Rama who killed all the Rakshasas approaching Janasthana."

Characters & Entities

• Śārdūla
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Truthfulness under pressure: even in fear, the messenger must report faithfully; dharma in speech (satya) is implied by the act of delivering the account.

What is the narrative situation?

Śārdūla, intimidated by what he has seen and by Ravana’s presence, begins his report in a subdued tone.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability in service: despite fear, the envoy proceeds to speak and deliver intelligence.