Shloka 6.32.38

सीताविलापः (Sītā’s Lament over the Illusory Head and Bow)

Devanagari script

एतच्छ्रुत्वादशग्रीवोराक्षसप्रतिवेदितम् ।अशोकन्विकांत्यक्त्वामन्त्रिणांदर्शनंययौ ।।6.32.38।।

Transliteration

etac chrutvā daśagrīvo rākṣasa-prativeditam | aśoka-vanikāṃ tyaktvā mantriṇāṃ darśanaṃ yayau ||6.32.38||

Translation

Hearing the report delivered by the rākṣasa, Daśagrīva (Rāvaṇa) left the Aśoka grove and went to meet with his ministers.

Context

On hearing the submission of the rakshasa, the ten-headed king left the Asoka grove to see the ministers.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva)
• rākṣasa (messenger)
• Aśoka grove (Aśoka-vanikā)
• ministers (mantrin)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds rāja-nīti (kingly conduct): a ruler responds to intelligence reports by consulting counsel. Even in adharmic leadership, the text highlights the dharmic form of governance—seeking deliberation before action.

What is the narrative situation?

A rākṣasa messenger reports news to Rāvaṇa; upon hearing it, Rāvaṇa leaves the Aśoka grove area and proceeds to meet his ministers for counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic deliberation and reliance on counsel (mantra)—the administrative virtue of consulting ministers before deciding a course of action.