Shloka 6.7.19

राक्षसपरिषद्वाक्यम् — Counsel of the Rakshasa Court to Ravana

Devanagari script

तेषांवीर्यगुणोत्साहैर्नसमोराघवोरणे ।प्रसह्यतेत्वयाराजन्हताःसमरदुर्जयाः ।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ vīrya-guṇotsāhair na samo rāghavo raṇe | prasahya te tvayā rājan hatāḥ samara-durjayāḥ ||

Translation

In valor, excellence, and ardor, Rāghava was not their equal in battle; yet you, O king, overpowered and slew those who were hard to defeat in war.

Context

"Raghava is not equal to them in valour, excellence and energy. Those warriors who were difficult to overcome by battle were overpowered and killed by you."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma (Rāghava)

FAQs

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

It illustrates adharma-supporting flattery: minimizing the righteous opponent (Rāma) and exaggerating one’s own side undermines satya (truth), which the Ramayana treats as foundational to dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

A Laṅkā court speaker attempts to boost Rāvaṇa’s confidence by belittling Rāma’s prowess.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Aggressive dominance in battle is praised, though the epic ultimately esteems dharmic strength over boastful might.