Shloka 6.9.21

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

पुराशरत्सूर्यमरीचिसन्निभान्नवाग्रपुङ्खान् सुदृढान्नृपात्मजः ।सृजत्यमोघान्विशिखान्वधायतेप्रदीयतांदशरधायमैथिली ।।।।

Transliteration

purā śaratsūryamarīcisannibhān navāgrapuṅkhān sudṛḍhān nṛpātmajaḥ | sṛjaty amoghān viśikhān vadhāya te pradīyatāṃ daśarathāya maithilī ||

Translation

Before the prince looses upon you his unfailing arrows—firm, newly fletched, and radiant like the sun’s rays in autumn—let Maithilī be restored to Daśaratha’s son.

Context

"You may restore Rama's Mythili, before the emperor Dasaratha's son sends forth solid unfailing arrows shining like autumnal Sun provided with fresh heads and shafts for killing you."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Daśaratha’s son)
• Daśaratha
• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Arrows (viśikha)

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches timely restitution: correcting injustice before it hardens into violent consequence. Returning Sītā is presented as the righteous, peace-preserving choice.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa presses urgency: if Rāvaṇa delays, Rāma’s inevitable, lethal response will follow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence joined to righteousness—choosing peace through dharma rather than prideful escalation.