Shloka 6.35.4

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

Devanagari script

तरणंसागरस्यापिविक्रमंबलसञ्जियम् ।।।।यदुक्तवन्तोरामस्यभवन्तस्तन्मयाश्रुतम् ।

Transliteration

tatastu sumahāprājño mālyavān nāma rākṣasaḥ |

rāvaṇasya vacaḥ śrutvā mātuḥ paitāmaho'bravīt ||

Translation

Then the exceedingly wise rākṣasa named Mālyavān—Rāvaṇa’s maternal grandsire—having heard Rāvaṇa’s words, spoke in reply.

Context

"You have told me about the valour of Hanuman the messenger of Rama and his prowess in crossing the ocean which I heard just now."

Characters & Entities

• Mālyavān
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma values wise counsel within kinship and governance: elders and experienced advisers are to be heard, especially at moments of crisis.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration introduces Mālyavān formally and marks the transition into his advice to Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wisdom and seniority in counsel—an elder stepping forward to guide a ruler.