Shloka 6.8.12

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

Devanagari script

इदंममापरंवाक्यंशृणुराजन् यदीच्छसि ।उपायकुशलोह्येवजयेच्छत्रूनतन्द्रितः ।।6.8.12।।

Transliteration

idaṃ mamāparaṃ vākyaṃ śṛṇu rājan yadīcchasi | upāyakuśalo hy eva jayec chatrūn atandritaḥ ||

Translation

“O King, if you wish, hear another word from me: only one skilled in means and ever vigilant truly conquers enemies.”

Context

"O King! If you like, listen to my other statement: One who is cunning and is vigilant would win over an enemy."

Characters & Entities

• Prahastha
• Rāvaṇa (as 'rājan')

FAQs

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

Rajadharma values wakeful responsibility: victory should rest on vigilance and intelligent means, not mere bravado—aligning action with truth and careful judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Prahastha shifts from boasting to offering a general principle of strategy to the king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vigilance (apramāda/atandratā) and practical wisdom (upāya-jñāna) as essential qualities for leadership.