Shloka 6.63.52

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

Devanagari script

तदिचेन्द्राद्भयं राजन्यदि चापिस्वयम्भुवः ।ततोऽहंनाशयिष्यामिनैशंतमइवांशुमान् ।।6.63.52।।अपिदेवाश्शयिष्यन्तेक्रुद्धेमयिमहीतले ।

Transliteration

yaḥ paścāt pūrvakāryāṇi kuryād aiśvaryam āsthitaḥ |

pūrvaṃ cottarakāryāṇi na sa veda nayānayā ||

Translation

He who, relying on prosperity and power, postpones the duties that should be done first and then attends to what comes later—such a one understands neither right policy nor its opposite (the right and the wrong course).

Context

"Even if there is fear of Indra and Brahma that haunts you, I shall destroy them away like the sun dispels darkness. Devas will fall flat on earth when I am enraged."

FAQs

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

Dharma includes nīti (wise order of action): do the necessary first; power should not breed procrastination or inversion of priorities.

What is the narrative situation?

A reflective maxim is inserted into the war narrative, offering a governance-and-conduct lesson about timely and properly ordered action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and discernment (viveka) in action—knowing the right sequence and the right course.