Shloka 6.85.15

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

Devanagari script

निकुम्भिलामसम्प्राप्तमहुताग्निं च योरिपुः ।त्वामातायिनंहन्यादिन्द्रशत्रोस्सतेवधः ।।6.85.14।।वरोदत्तोमहाबाहो सर्वलोकेश्वरेणवै ।इत्येवंविहितोराजन्वधस्तस्यैषधीमतः ।।6.85.15।।

Transliteration

vibhīṣaṇa-vacaḥ śrutvā rāmo vākyam athābravīt | jānāmi tasya raudrasya māyāṃ satya-parākramaḥ ||6.85.17||

Translation

Having heard Vibhīṣaṇa’s words, Rāma then replied: “I know the māyā of that fierce one”—Rāma, whose valor is founded on truth.

Context

"O mighty armed Rama! that enemy of yours, while you have not reached Nikumbhilam and not propitiated fire sacrifice, can cause your death. Such a boon was granted to him, the enemy of Indra by the Lord of all worlds."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Indrajit (implied by “that fierce one”)
• Māyā (illusion/war-stratagem)

FAQs

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

Truth-based strength (satya-parākrama) is presented as the righteous counter to deception (māyā); dharma faces illusion with steady awareness, not panic.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving Vibhīṣaṇa’s warning and plan, Rāma affirms he understands the enemy’s deceptive tactics and is prepared.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure grounded in truth: Rāma’s confidence arises from clear knowledge and satya, not arrogance.