Shloka 6.37.6

लङ्काद्वारव्यूहवर्णनम् / Disposition at the Gates of Lanka

Devanagari script

तथातेषुब्रुवाणेषुरावणावरजोऽब्रवीत् ।वाक्यमग्राम्यपदवत्पुष्कलार्धंविभीषणः ।।।।

Transliteration

bhūtvā śakunayaḥ sarve praviṣṭāś ca ripor balam | vidhānaṃ vihitaṃ yac ca tad dṛṣṭvā samupasthitāḥ ||

Translation

All of them took the form of birds, penetrated deep within, observed the enemy’s strength and the arrangements that had been made, and then returned to report.

Context

While they were speaking like that to one another, Ravana's brother Vibheeshana spoke courteously, words full of meaning.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Laṅkā
• Enemy forces (Rāvaṇa’s army)

FAQs

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

Right action depends on right knowledge: dharmic leadership gathers accurate intelligence to minimize needless harm and act justly.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa explains the method and success of covert reconnaissance of the enemy’s defenses.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic wisdom—using skillful means to learn the truth before acting.