Shloka 6.63.1

कुम्भकर्णोपदेशः — Kumbhakarna’s Counsel and War-Boast to Ravana

Devanagari script

तस्यराक्षसराजस्यनिशम्यपरिदेवितम् ।कुम्भकर्णोबभाषेदंवचनंप्रजहास च ।।6.63.1।।

Transliteration

tasya rākṣasarājasya niśamya paridevitam |

kumbhakarṇo babhāṣedaṁ vacanaṁ prajahāsa ca || 6.63.1 ||

Translation

Hearing the lamentation of the rākṣasa-king, Kumbhakarṇa replied with these words—and laughed as well.

Context

Hearing the lament of the Rakshasa king, Kumbhakarna replied laughing.

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse sets the stage for dharmic counsel: a ruler’s grief must be met not merely with emotion, but with clear-headed advice (nīti) aimed at right action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa laments; Kumbhakarṇa hears him and begins responding, signaling a shift from lamentation to counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Frankness in counsel—Kumbhakarṇa is prepared to speak directly, even with a sharp, mocking edge.