Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 13
महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः
Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault
येपुरानिर्जितास्तेनजनस्थानेमहौजसः ।राक्षसांस्तान्पुरेसर्वान्भीतानद्यापिपश्यसि ।।।।
ye purā nirjitās tena janasthāne mahaujasaḥ |
rākṣasāṃs tān pure sarvān bhītān adyāpi paśyasi ||
Those high-spirited Rākṣasas whom he once subdued at Janasthāna—you see them all in the city even now, still trembling with fear.
"Look! Those highly energetic Rakshasas, who were won by Rama at Janasthana are scared of him even now."
FAQs
Actions create consequences that persist: leadership must heed the lived reality of the community (fear, morale, trauma). Dharma requires protecting one’s people, not dismissing evident warning signs.
Mahodara points to the present fear among Rākṣasas in Laṅkā as evidence of Rāma’s proven dominance.
Practical wisdom: observing the state of others and drawing conclusions rather than acting on bravado.