Shloka 6.9.18

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

यावत्सुघोरामहतीदुर्धर्षाहरिवाहिनी ।नावस्कन्दतिनोलङ्कांतावत्सीताप्रदीयताम् ।।।।

Transliteration

yāvat sughorā mahatī durdharṣā harivāhinī | nāvaskandati no laṅkāṃ tāvat sītā pradīyatām ||

Translation

Before the vast, dreadful, and irresistible army of monkeys overruns our Laṅkā, let Sītā be given back.

Context

"Lest the highly dreadful, formidable and huge Vanara troops surround all over Lanka. Give away Sita."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Sītā
• Harivāhinī (Vanara army)

FAQs

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

Dharma recommends timely correction of wrongdoing; returning Sītā is presented as the righteous act that averts mass violence.

What is the narrative situation?

A final warning in counsel: the vanara host is poised to overwhelm Laṅkā, so restitution must happen immediately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to peace through justice—ending conflict by restoring what was unlawfully taken.