Shloka 6.51.17

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

निष्फलाःखलुसम्वृत्ताश्शराःवासुकितेजसः ।अदत्तंयैस्तुसङ्ग्रामेरिपूणांजीवितंमम ।।6.51.17।।

Transliteration

tad astra-bandham āsādya yadi muktau ripū mama |

saṃśaya-stham idaṃ sarvam anupaśyāmy ahaṃ balam ||6.51.16||

Translation

If my enemies have been freed even after encountering that weapon-bond, then I behold my entire host standing in uncertainty—its fate now in doubt.

Context

"My arrows which are equal in brilliance to Vasuki by which my enemies' life was taken away has become in fructuous now."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rākṣasa army (bala)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s adharma leads to insecurity: when one’s cause is unjust, even great resources feel unstable, and confidence turns into doubt.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa processes the news that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are free despite Indrajit’s weapon-bond and fears for the security of his forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (in a negative mirror): Rāvaṇa’s strategic anxiety shows awareness of risk, though not aligned with repentance or a turn toward dharma.