Shloka 6.51.20

धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तुधूम्राक्षोराक्षसेन्द्रेणधीमता ।कृत्वाप्रणामंसम्हृष्टोनिर्जगामनृपालयत् ।।6.51.20।।

Transliteration

snigdha-gambhīra-nirghoṣaṃ śrutvā sa ninadaṃ bhṛśam |

sacivānāṃ tatas teṣāṃ madhye vacanam abravīt ||6.51.2||

Translation

Hearing that fierce roar—deep and resonant—he spoke words in the midst of his ministers.

Context

Commanded by the Intelligent king of Rakshasas in that manner, Dhumraksha offered prayers and went from there joyfully.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (implied by context: speaking among ministers)
• Rākṣasa ministers (sacivas)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance involves counsel and deliberation; a ruler speaking among ministers reflects the necessity (even if misused) of structured decision-making.

What is the narrative situation?

Amid loud, deep clamour, Rāvaṇa turns to address his ministers, setting up the subsequent commands and reactions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The administrative virtue of consultation is suggested, though the larger narrative frames its failure when counsel is not aligned with satya (truth) and dharma.