Shloka 6.9.7

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

तान्गृहीतायुधान् सर्वान्वारयित्वाविभीषणः ।अब्रवीत्प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यंपुनःप्रत्युपवेश्यतान् ।।।।

Transliteration

tān gṛhītāyudhān sarvān vārayitvā vibhīṣaṇaḥ |

abravīt prāñjalir vākyaṃ punaḥ pratyupaveśyatān ||

Translation

Vibhīṣaṇa restrained all who had taken up weapons, had them seated again, and—joining his palms in humility—spoke words of counsel to Rāvaṇa.

Context

With folded hands, Vibheeshana made all the (Rakshasas) wielding arms to stop and sit and addressed these words to Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas (armed attendants)

FAQs

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

Dharma here emphasizes restraint and orderly counsel: before violence, a wise person first calms the situation and speaks with humility, prioritizing reason over rage.

What is the narrative situation?

In Rāvaṇa’s assembly, armed rākṣasas are ready to act; Vibhīṣaṇa stops them, restores composure, and prepares to advise Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s humility and courage in counsel—he combines respectful demeanor (folded palms) with the moral firmness to prevent rash action.