Shloka 6.8.1

युद्धकाण्डे अष्टमः सर्गः — राक्षससभा-युद्धपरामर्शः (War-Council Boasts and Stratagems)

Devanagari script

ततोनीलाम्बुदनिभ: प्रहस्तोनामराक्षसः ।अब्रवीत्प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यंशूरस्सेनापतिस्तदा ।।6.8.1।।

Transliteration

tato nīlāmbudanibhaḥ prahasto nāma rākṣasaḥ | abravīt prāñjalir vākyaṃ śūraḥ senāpatis tadā ||

Translation

Then the rākṣasa named Prahastha, dark as a rain-cloud, the heroic commander, spoke with folded hands.

Context

Then a Rakshasa whose body was like a dark cloud, called Prahastha, the heroic chief of the army, spoke these words with folded palms.

Characters & Entities

• Prahastha
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance includes respectful, orderly counsel: a commander approaches the ruler with decorum (folded hands) before presenting views on war.

What is the narrative situation?

Prahastha is introduced as a principal rākṣasa commander who begins addressing the king (Rāvaṇa).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Formal discipline and courtly propriety in counsel—speaking with respect even amid crisis.