Shloka 6.35.38

माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance

Devanagari script

इदंवचस्तत्रनिशम्यमाल्यवान्परीक्ष्यरक्षोधिपतेर्मनःपुनः ।अनुत्तमेषूत्तमपौरुषोबलीबभूवतूष्णींसमवेक्ष्यरावणम् ।।।।

Transliteration

bhavataścāpy ahaṃ vema di yuddhe satyaparākrāmān |

tūṣikān īkṣato'nyonyaṃ viditvā rāmavikramam ||

Translation

I know you too to be truly valorous in war; yet, having understood Rāma’s prowess, you stand silent, looking at one another.

Context

"Best among men and foremost of counsellors, mighty Malyavan beholding Ravana, the Lord of Rakshasas and keenly observing his mind (that Ravana is not liking the counsel) remained silent."।। ityārṣēvālmīkīyēśrīmadrāmāyaṇēādikāvyēyuddhakāṇḍēpañcatriṅśassargaḥ ।।This is the end of the thirty fifth sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership includes honest appraisal of circumstances; silence born of fear or confusion must be replaced by truthful deliberation and responsible action.

What is the narrative situation?

Mālyavān points out that despite the rākṣasas’ reputed bravery, knowledge of Rāma’s might has made them hesitant and silent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) in assessment—acknowledging an opponent’s strength without self-deception.