Shloka 6.63.15

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

Devanagari script

अशास्त्रविदुषांतेषां न कार्यमभिहितंवचः ।अर्थशास्त्रानभिज्ञानांविपुलांश्रियमिच्छताम् ।।6.63.15।।

Transliteration

aśāstraviduṣāṁ teṣāṁ na kāryam abhihitaṁ vacaḥ |

arthaśāstrānabhijñānāṁ vipulāṁ śriyam icchatām || 6.63.15 ||

Translation

The counsel of those who do not know the śāstras should not be acted upon—especially of those ignorant of arthaśāstra who yet crave vast prosperity.

Context

"Those who have no knowledge of shastras are ignorant of the science of wealth and desire huge wealth. Their advice ought not to be followed."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• śāstra
• arthaśāstra

FAQs

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

Right action depends on right knowledge: dharmic governance rejects counsel driven by greed and ignorance, even if it promises prosperity.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa warns Rāvaṇa against following advisers who lack śāstric and practical understanding but hunger for wealth and success.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discrimination (viveka) in choosing whose counsel to trust.