Shloka 6.87.17

न्यग्रोध-प्रवेश-निवारणम् (Preventing Indrajit’s Banyan-Tree Rite) / Indrajit Confronts Vibhishana

Devanagari script

निरनुक्रोशताचेयंयादृशीतेनिशाचर ।स्वजनेनत्वयाशक्यंपौरुषंरावणानुज ।।6.87.17।।

Transliteration

niranukrośatā ceyaṃ yādṛśī te niśācara | svajanena tvayā śakyaṃ pauruṣaṃ rāvaṇānuja || 6.87.17 ||

Translation

O night-roamer, Ravana’s brother! This is the sort of ruthlessness you display; such ‘heroism’ is possible only when turned against one’s own people.

Context

"O Ravana's brother! You have shown ruthlessness this way. O night ranger! Only you could exhibit this kind of manliness."

Characters & Entities

• Indrajit (Meghanāda)
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse criticizes cruelty and implies that true valor is not shown by harming one’s own kin; dharma restrains power with compassion and right targets.

What is the narrative situation?

Indrajit taunts Vibhīṣaṇa, framing his stance against Laṅkā as ruthless ‘heroism’ directed toward his own people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (through accusation), the virtue at stake is dayā (compassion) and righteous courage—valor aligned with dharma rather than kin-destruction.