Shloka 6.90.17

इन्द्रजित्-लक्ष्मणयुद्धम् तथा वानरप्रोत्साहनम् (Indrajit–Lakshmana Battle and the Rallying of the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

अयुक्तंनिधनंकर्तुंपुत्रस्यजनितुर्मम ।घृणामपास्यरामार्थेनिहन्यांभ्रातुरात्मजम् ।।।।

Transliteration

ayuktaṃ nidhanaṃ kartuṃ putrasya janitur mama |

ghṛṇām apāsya rāmārthe nihanyāṃ bhrātur ātmajam ||

Translation

For me, a father, it is not fitting to bring about the death of one who is like a son. Yet, casting aside compassion for Rāma’s purpose, I would kill my brother’s son.

Context

"For the sake of Rama, I will strike my brother's son. Being a father, taking pity, I am helpless as it is not proper for me to take the life of my son."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāma
• Indrajit (implied as brother’s son)
• Rāvaṇa (implied as brother of Vibhīṣaṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma can demand painful choices: when kinship conflicts with righteousness, one must uphold the just cause (Rama’s dharma) even at personal emotional cost.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa reflects on the impropriety, for a fatherly figure, of killing a nephew who is dear like a son—yet he acknowledges the necessity within the war for Rama’s mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and sacrifice—choosing the side of truth and justice over family attachment.