Shloka 6.63.40

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

Devanagari script

कथं च राक्षसैरेभिर्मया च परिरक्षितः ।जिघांसुभिर्दाशरथिं वध्यसे त्वमिहानघ ।।6.63.40।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ ca rākṣasair ebhir mayā ca parirakṣitaḥ | jighāṃsubhir dāśarathiṃ vadhyase tvam ihānagha ||6.63.40||

Translation

How could you be slain here, O blameless one, when you are protected by these Rākṣasas and by me—while we are intent on killing Dāśarathi (Rāma)?

Context

"O Sinless Ravana! As I am going to kill this son of Dasaratha whom Rakshasas are intending to kill, how can Rama kill you now?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma (Dāśarathi)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

It raises the theme of protection and duty, but in an adharma-aligned cause. The Ramayana contrasts such protective loyalty with dharmic protection—defending righteousness rather than wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker reassures Rāvaṇa that he cannot be killed because strong defenders stand around him and will instead kill Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness and steadfast loyalty to one’s ruler, though ethically compromised by the cause being defended.