Shloka 6.6.4

रावणस्य मन्त्रविचारः — Ravana’s Council on Strategy

Devanagari script

किंकरिष्यामिभद्रंवोकिंवायुक्तमनन्तरम् ।।6.6.4।।उच्यतांनस्समर्थंयत्कृतंचसुकृतंभवेत् ।

Transliteration

mantribhir hitasaṃyuktaiḥ samarthair mantranirṇaye |

mitrair vāpi samānārthair bāndhavair api vādhikaiḥ |

sahito mantrayitvā yaḥ karmārambhān pravartayet |

daive ca kurute yatnaṃ tam āhuḥ puruṣottamam ||6.6.7-6.6.8||

Translation

He is called the best of men who, supported by well-wishing ministers capable of sound counsel—along with friends and kinsmen sharing the same aims—deliberates before beginning undertakings, and then strives with due regard for the divine.

Context

"What is the best thing to do now? What should we do ultimately? What is advisable to do? What strategy is effective? You may suggest that which is good for us."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• ministers (mantrin)
• friends (mitra)
• kinsmen (bāndhava)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma: begin actions only after consultation with competent well-wishers, aligning effort with truth, shared purpose, and humility before the divine order.

What is the narrative situation?

In war-council mode, Rāvaṇa articulates a standard of ideal leadership and decision-making grounded in deliberation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible leadership: consultation, clarity of shared goals, and disciplined effort rather than rashness.