Shloka 6.66.24

कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम् तथा अङ्गदप्रेरणा (Kumbhakarna’s sortie and Angada’s rallying of the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

भीरुप्रवादाश्श्रूयन्तेयस्तुजीवतिधिक्कृतः ।मार्गस्सत्पुरुषैर्जष्टःसेव्यतांत्यज्यतांभयम् ।।।।

Transliteration

bhīrupravādāḥ śrūyante yas tu jīvati dhikkṛtaḥ |

mārgaḥ satpuruṣair juṣṭaḥ sevyatāṃ tyajyatāṃ bhayam ||

Translation

Men speak the reproach of cowardice of one who lives on after disgrace. Walk the path cherished by the righteous; serve it—cast away fear.

Context

"He who is defeated lives, but people will say he is timid. Resorting to the path of good people and serving them gives up fear."

Characters & Entities

• Aṅgada
• Satpuruṣa (the good/noble persons)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the ‘path of the good’ (satpuruṣa-mārga): one must reject fear and choose conduct that withstands moral scrutiny and social conscience.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada warns that living after cowardice brings lasting reproach and exhorts them to adopt the noble path by returning to battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage—choosing the right course despite fear and potential loss.