Shloka 6.9.17

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

यावन्नसगजांसाश्वांबहुरत्नसमाकुलाम् ।पुरींदारयतेबाणैर्दीयतामस्यमैथिली ।।।।

Transliteration

yāvan na sa gajāṃ sāśvāṃ bahuratnasamākulām | purīṃ dārayate bāṇair dīyatām asya maithilī ||

Translation

Before he rends this city with his arrows—abounding in jewels, filled with elephants and horses—let Maithilī be returned to him.

Context

"Before Rama comes with elephants and horses and tears with his arrows, this Lanka filled with abundance of gems, give away Mythili."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā (implied by ‘city’ in context)
• Rāma (implied)
• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Elephants
• Horses

FAQs

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

Prevent avoidable suffering: dharma includes choosing the path that minimizes destruction by correcting the original injustice promptly.

What is the narrative situation?

The advisor warns of imminent military catastrophe for Laṅkā if Rāvaṇa refuses to return Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Foresight and responsibility in governance—acting before harm becomes irreversible.