Shloka 6.9.12

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

बलान्यपरिमेयानिवीर्याणिचनिशाचराः ।परेषांसहसाऽवज्ञानकर्तव्याकथञ्चन ।।।।

Transliteration

balāny aparimeyāni vīryāṇi ca niśācarāḥ | pareṣāṃ sahasā ’vajñā na kartavyā kathañcana ||

Translation

O night-roamers, the enemy’s strength and valor are beyond measure; never, in any way, should you hastily dismiss them with contempt.

Context

"Enemy's strength and valour is inestimable to relate. Do not disregard rashly, O Night ranger!"

Characters & Entities

• Enemy forces (Rāma’s side, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership includes humility and careful judgment; contempt (avajñā) and rashness (sahasā) are ethical and strategic faults.

What is the narrative situation?

Counsel is being given in Laṅkā’s court: the speaker warns against underestimating Rāma’s coalition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and truthfulness in counsel—speaking an uncomfortable truth for the common good.