Shloka 6.9.20

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

प्रसादयेत्वांबन्धुत्वात्कुरुष्यवचनंमम ।हितंतथ्यमहंब्रूमिदीयतामस्यमैथिली ।।।।

Transliteration

prasādaye tvāṃ bandhutvāt kuruṣya vacanaṃ mama | hitaṃ tathyaṃ ahaṃ brūmi dīyatām asya maithilī ||

Translation

Because of our kinship, I appeal to you—do as I say. I speak what is both true and beneficial: let Maithilī be given back to him.

Context

"I am requesting you because you are my relation (brother). Do as I said, as I am telling you for your welfare. Give away Sita."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

Dharma is articulated as truth spoken for welfare (satya + hita). Right counsel must aim at correction of wrongdoing, even when addressed to one’s own family.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa urges Rāvaṇa, as a brother and well-wisher, to return Sītā to Rāma to avert disaster.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and integrity—Vibhīṣaṇa prioritizes truth and welfare over fear of offending a powerful king.