Shloka 6.9.22

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

त्वजस्वकोपंसुखधर्मनाशनंभजस्वधर्मंरतिकीर्तिवर्धनम् ।प्रसीदजीवेमसपुत्रबान्धवाःप्रदीयतांदाशरथायमैथिली ।।।।

Transliteration

tyajasva kopaṃ sukhadharmanāśanaṃ bhajasva dharmaṃ ratikīrtivardhanam | prasīda jīvema sa putrabāndhavāḥ pradīyatāṃ dāśarathāya maithilī ||

Translation

Abandon anger, which destroys both happiness and dharma; take refuge in dharma, which increases rightful joy and lasting fame. Be at peace—so that we may live, with sons and kinsmen—by restoring Maithilī to the son of Daśaratha.

Context

"Give up that happiness and anger which destroys virtues. Seek pleasures that enhance fame. Be pacified. Live happily with sons and relatives restoring Mythili to Rama, the son of Dasaratha."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Rāma (Daśaratha’s son)
• Sons and kinsmen (putra-bāndhava)

FAQs

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

Anger (kopa) is portrayed as a destroyer of dharma and well-being; dharma, by contrast, sustains social continuity—life with family, stability, and honorable reputation.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa offers a final ethical appeal to Rāvaṇa: choose calm and righteousness by returning Sītā, thereby saving Laṅkā’s future.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint (dama/kṣānti) as a royal virtue—necessary for rājadharma and the protection of one’s people.