Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 85, Shloka 18

निकुम्भिला

यज्ञविघ्नः — Vibhishana’s Counsel and Lakshmana’s March to Nikumbhila

Devanagari script

स हिब्रह्मास्त्रवित्प्राज्ञोमहामायोमहाबल. ।करोत्यसंज्ञान् सङ्ग्रामेदेवान्सवरुणानपि ।।6.85.18।।

Transliteration

sa hi brahmāstravit prājño mahāmāyo mahābalaḥ |

karoty asaṃjñān saṅgrāme devān savaruṇān api ||6.85.18||

Translation

For he is skilled in the Brahmā-weapon, wise, mighty in māyā, and of great strength; in battle he can even render unconscious the gods—Varuṇa and the rest.

Word by Word

• vibhīṣaṇavacaḥ: Vibhīṣaṇa's words
• vibhīṣaṇavacaḥ: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vibhīṣaṇa-vacas (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa compound: vibhīṣaṇa + vacas; Napuṃsakaliṅga (n.), Dvitīyā (Acc. 2), Ekavacana

• śrutvā: having heard
• śrutvā: Kriyāviśeṣaṇa (क्रियाविशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: śru (धातु) + ktvā (कृत्वा)
• Form: Absolutive (क्त्वा), avyaya; pūrvakāla-kriyā (prior action)

• rāmaḥ: Rama
• rāmaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: rāma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga (m.), Prathamā (Nom. 1), Ekavacana

• vākyam: speech/words
• vākyam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vākya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napuṃsakaliṅga (n.), Dvitīyā (Acc. 2), Ekavacana

• atha: then
• atha: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/connector)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: atha (अव्यय)
• Form: Adverb/conjunctive particle (sequence)

• abravīt: said/spoke
• abravīt: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: brū (धातु)
• Form: Laṅ (imperfect/past), Parasmaipada, Prathama-puruṣa (3rd), Ekavacana

• jānāmi: I know
• jānāmi: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: jñā (धातु)
• Form: Laṭ (present), Parasmaipada, Uttama-puruṣa (1st), Ekavacana

• tasya: of him
• tasya: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Sarvanāma, Ṣaṣṭhī (Gen. 6), Ekavacana

• raudrasya: fierce
• raudrasya: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: raudra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga (m.), Ṣaṣṭhī (Gen. 6), Ekavacana; qualifies tasya

• māyām: magic/illusion
• māyām: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: māyā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Strīliṅga (f.), Dvitīyā (Acc. 2), Ekavacana

• satyaparākramaḥ: of true valor
• satyaparākramaḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: satya-parākrama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Karmadhāraya: satya + parākrama; Puṃliṅga (m.), Prathamā (Nom. 1), Ekavacana; epithet of rāmaḥ

Context

When he moves in his chariot in the sky like the Sun coursing through clouds is difficult to know.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmāstra
• Devas
• Varuṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma here is prudence: recognizing an adversary’s power truthfully (satya) so that one acts responsibly and protects allies rather than underestimating danger.

What is the narrative situation?

A warning is being given about the enemy’s extraordinary martial and illusory capabilities, emphasizing the seriousness of the coming engagement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic wisdom (prajñā) in leadership—accurate appraisal of threats before action.