Shloka 6.63.16

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

Devanagari script

अहितं च हिताकारंधार्ष्ट्याज्जल्पन्तियेनराः ।अवेक्ष्यमन्त्रबाह्यास्तेकर्तव्याःकृत्यदूषणा:।। 6.63.16।।

Transliteration

ahitaṁ ca hitākāraṁ dhārṣṭyāj jalpanti ye narāḥ |

avekṣya mantrabāhyās te kartavyāḥ kṛtyadūṣaṇāḥ || 6.63.16 ||

Translation

Those men who, in brazen pride, prattle what is harmful while clothing it as beneficial—after due scrutiny—should be kept outside the council, for they mar the undertaking.

Context

"Those who tender advice, which is unwholesome but in wholesome grab, out of their impudence should be kept away from discussion examining early as they mar the purpose."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• mantra (council)

FAQs

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

Satya and dharma in counsel demand truthfulness: harmful proposals disguised as ‘good’ are adharma and must be excluded after careful evaluation.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa advises screening advisers and removing those whose deceptive speech undermines sound decision-making.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity in counsel—prioritizing truth and welfare over persuasive but harmful talk.