Shloka 6.63.4

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

Devanagari script

प्रथमंवैमहाराजकृत्यमेतदचिन्तितम् ।केवलंवीर्यदर्पेणनानुबन्धोविचिन्तितः ।।6.63.4।।

Transliteration

prathamaṃ vai mahārāja kṛtyam etad acintitam | kevalaṃ vīryadarpeṇa nānubandho vicintitaḥ ||6.63.4||

Translation

At the outset, O great king, this course of action was undertaken without reflection; in sheer pride of strength, its consequences were not considered.

Context

"O king! All this action was not thought of at the beginning, nor the consequences of action weighed in the pride of your prowess."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (implied by address mahārāja)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires deliberation (vicāra) and foresight (anubandha-jñāna). Actions driven by ego and power-pride lead to ruin; righteous governance demands restraint and reflection.

What is the narrative situation?

A voice of counsel criticizes the original decision-making—implying that the conflict began in unexamined pride rather than wise policy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and truthful counsel: the virtue of warning a ruler honestly about the costs of arrogant decisions.