Shloka 6.9.19

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

विनश्येद्धिपुरीलङ्काशूरास्सर्वेचराक्षसाः ।रामस्यदयितापत्नीनस्वयंनयदिदीयते ।।।।

Transliteration

vinaśyed dhi purī laṅkā śūrāḥ sarve ca rākṣasāḥ | rāmasya dayitā patnī na svayaṃ na yadi dīyate ||

Translation

If Rāma’s beloved wife is not restored of your own accord, then the city of Laṅkā will surely perish—along with all the rākṣasas, even the mighty ones.

Context

"If Rama's dear wife is not given, this Lanka will be destroyed and also all Rakshasas."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā (Rāma’s wife)
• Laṅkā
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the duty to restore what has been unrighteously taken—especially another man’s wife. Refusal to correct adharma leads to collective ruin, not merely personal loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa warns Rāvaṇa that if Sītā is not returned willingly, Rāma’s campaign will destroy Laṅkā and the rākṣasa forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s virtue of truthful, welfare-oriented counsel (hita-vacana) is emphasized—speaking hard truths to avert catastrophe.