Shloka 6.95.20

युद्धकाण्डे पञ्चनवतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 95: Lamentation in Laṅkā and the Causal Chain of Enmity)

Devanagari script

विभीषणवचःकुर्याद्यदिस्मधनदानुजः ।श्मशानभूतादुःखार्तानेयंलङ्काभविष्यति ।।।।

Transliteration

vibhīṣaṇa-vacaḥ kuryād yadi sma dhanadānujāḥ |

śmaśāna-bhūtā duḥkhārtā na iyaṃ laṅkā bhaviṣyati ||6.95.20||

Translation

Had the younger brother of Kubera truly heeded Vibhīṣaṇa’s counsel, this Lanka would not have become a cremation-ground, afflicted with grief.

Context

"Had Ravana, the younger brother of Kubera followed the advice of Vibheeshana, this Lanka would not have been stricken with grief and turned into a crematorium."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Kubera (Dhanada)
• Rāvaṇa
• Laṅkā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes listening to truthful, well-wishing counsel—especially when it restrains harm. Ignoring satya-yukta advice leads to collective suffering, shown here as Lanka’s devastation.

What is the narrative situation?

After massive losses in the war, the text reflects that the catastrophe could have been avoided if Ravana had accepted Vibhishana’s earlier counsel to return Sita and seek peace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s integrity and moral courage: he speaks truth for the welfare of Lanka even when it is unwelcome.