Shloka 6.63.17

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

Devanagari script

विनाशयन्तोभर्तारंसहिताश्शत्रुभिर्बुधैः ।विपरीतानिकृत्यानिकारयन्तीहमन्त्रिणः ।।6.63.17।।

Transliteration

vināśayanto bhartāraṁ sahitāḥ śatrubhir budhaiḥ |

viparītāni kṛtyāni kārayantīha mantriṇaḥ || 6.63.17 ||

Translation

Here, certain ministers, intent on ruining their lord, collude with wise enemies and lead him to undertake deeds wholly perverse.

Context

"Some ministers in order to ruin the king, collide with enemies and make the king take wrong actions."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• mantriṇaḥ (ministers)
• śatru (enemies)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires vigilance: betrayal within one’s counsel is a grave adharma that leads rulers into destructive, wrongful action.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa warns that some advisers may secretly align with enemies and steer the king toward disastrous decisions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Political vigilance and moral scrutiny of advisers’ loyalty.