Shloka 6.63.12

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

Devanagari script

उपप्रदानंसान्त्वं च भेदंकाले च विक्रमम् ।योगं च रक्षसांश्रेष्ठतावुभौ च नयानयौ ।।6.63.11।।कालेधर्मार्थकामान्यस्सम्मन्त्ऱ्यसचिवैःसह ।निषेवेतात्मवान्लोके न स व्यसनमाप्नुयात् ।।6.63.12।।

Transliteration

kāle dharmārthakāmān yaḥ sammantrya sacivaiḥ saha |

niṣevet ātmavān loke na sa vyasanam āpnuyāt || 6.63.12 ||

Translation

He who is self-possessed, consults with ministers, and in due season pursues dharma, artha, and kāma—such a man does not fall into calamity in this world.

Context

"You are the foremost of the Rakshasas! After discussing with ministers, a king either by gifting or conciliation or dissension or resorting to all of them at the appropriate time takes resort to pursue virtue, wealth, or sensual pleasures at the right time, never meets with sorrow."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• saciva (ministers)
• dharma
• artha
• kāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through disciplined timing and counsel: balancing life’s aims (dharma-artha-kāma) through consultation and self-control prevents downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa urges a model of prudent rulership—deliberation with ministers and timely pursuit of life-goals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ātma-saṁyama (self-mastery) coupled with deliberative governance.