Shloka 6.63.13

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

Devanagari script

हितानुबन्धमालोच्यकार्यात्कार्यमिहात्मनः ।राजासहार्थतत्त्वज्ञैस्सचिवैर्बुस्सहिजीवति ।।6.63.13।।

Transliteration

hitānubandham ālocya kāryāt kāryam ihātmanaḥ |

rājā sahārthatattvajñaiḥ sacivair buddhisahāya jīvati || 6.63.13 ||

Translation

A king who reflects on the long-reaching consequences of what is beneficial and decides each action as it ought to be done—together with ministers who know reality—lives supported by their counsel and intelligence.

Context

"That king who knows the reality of things and makes decisions in consultation with his ministers, who make their living with their intelligence will live happily."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• rājā (king)
• saciva (ministers)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance is foresight: weighing beneficial outcomes and acting through informed counsel rather than impulse sustains the ruler and the realm.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa explains that a king thrives by reflecting on welfare and relying on ministers who understand practical realities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Foresight (dīrghadarśitā) and respect for competent counsel.