Shloka 6.63.18

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

Devanagari script

तान्भर्तामित्रसङ्काशानमित्रान्मन्त्रनिर्णये ।व्यवहारेणजानीयात्सचिवानुपसम्हितान् ।।6.63.18।।

Transliteration

dṛṣṭo doṣo hi yo ’smābhiḥ purā mantranirṇaye | hiteṣv anabhiyuktena so ’yam āsāditas tvayā ||6.63.2||

Translation

The calamity I had foreseen earlier in counsel and decision—because you did not rightly rely upon your well-wishers—has now come upon you.

Context

" A ruler should know those ministers bribed by the enemy, who have become close to the enemy and appear as friends. Those ministers must be known through their behaviour in the deliberations."

Characters & Entities

• Kumbhakarṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Right governance (rāja-dharma) requires listening to truthful, well-intentioned counsel; ignoring well-wishers leads to self-caused ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

Kumbhakarṇa admonishes Rāvaṇa, stating that the present crisis is the result of earlier failures in counsel and decision-making.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and receptivity to good advice—valuing honest counsel over pride.