Shloka 6.8.13
युद्धकाण्डे अष्टमः सर्गः — राक्षससभा-युद्धपरामर्शः (War-Council Boasts and Stratagems)
कामरूपधराश्शूरास्सुभीमाभीमदर्शनाः ।राक्षसावैसहस्राणिराक्षसाधिपनिश्चिताः ।।6.8.13।।काकुत्स्थमुपसङ्गम्यबिभ्रतोमानुषंवपुः ।सर्वेह्यसम्भ्रमाभूत्वाब्रुवन्तुरघुसत्तमम् ।।6.8.14।।
kāmarūpadharāḥ śūrāḥ subhīmā bhīmadarśanāḥ | rākṣasā vai sahasrāṇi rākṣasādhipaniścitāḥ ||
kākutstham upasaṅgamya bibhrato mānuṣaṃ vapuḥ | sarve hy asambhramā bhūtvā bruvantu raghusattamam ||
O lord of the rākṣasas, let thousands of rākṣasas—heroes of dreadful aspect, able to assume any form at will—approach Kakutstha (Rāma) clad in human bodies and, without agitation, address the foremost of the Raghus.
"O Lord of Rakshasas! Thousands of fearful Rakshasas capable of assuming any form at free will, heroic ones of frightful appearance should tell Rama the foremost of Raghus, quietly going near him in human form."
It presents an ethical tension: the plan relies on disguise and manipulation, contrasting with the Ramayana’s ideal of Satya (truthfulness). The narrative invites reflection on how adharma often uses deception as a tool.
Prahastha proposes a tactic: shapeshifting rākṣasas should approach Rama in human guise and speak to him calmly—suggesting a deceptive or strategic approach rather than open combat.
Strategic composure (calm, controlled approach) is emphasized, though ethically ambiguous because it is paired with disguise rather than transparent, truthful engagement.