Shloka 6.6.18

रावणस्य मन्त्रविचारः — Ravana’s Council on Strategy

Devanagari script

समुद्रमुच्छोषयतिवीर्येणान्यत्करोतिवा ।।6.6.18।।अस्मिन्नेवंगतेकार्येविरुद्धेवानरैस्सह ।हितंपुरेचसैन्येचसर्वसम्मन्त्रयतांमम ।।6.6.19।।

Transliteration

kiṃ kariṣyāmi bhadraṃ vo kiṃ vā yuktam anantaram |

ucyatāṃ naḥ samarthaṃ yat kṛtaṃ ca sukṛtaṃ bhavet ||6.6.4||

Translation

What should I do? What, in truth, is the proper course now? Tell us what is truly effective—what action would be well-done and beneficial.

Context

Rama may dry up the ocean or do something else out of his power. If Vanaras come and encounter us, we will clash with him. When his army has set out that way, you may advise me of a plan that benefits the army and city of Lanka."।।ityārṣēvālmīkīyēśrīmadrāmāyaṇēādikāvyēyuddhakāṇḍēṣaṣṭhamassargaḥ।।This is the end of the sixth sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Laṅkā (implied by council setting)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance requires seeking competent counsel and choosing what is genuinely beneficial, not merely what is pleasing; righteous leadership asks for truth about what is effective.

What is the narrative situation?

Facing imminent threat, Rāvaṇa consults his assembly, asking for practical and sound advice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence through consultation—recognizing that major actions should be deliberated rather than impulsive.