Shloka 6.95.40

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

Devanagari script

प्राप्तकालंकृतंतेनपौलस्त्येनमहात्मना ।।।।यतएवंभयंदृष्टंतमेवशरणंगतः ।

Transliteration

prāptakālaṃ kṛtaṃ tena paulastyena mahātmanā | yat evaṃ bhayaṃ dṛṣṭaṃ tam eva śaraṇaṃ gataḥ ||

Translation

That great-souled one of the Paulastya line, seeing fear in this form and knowing the time to be ripe, went to him alone and sought refuge.

Context

"Great Vibheeshana of the Paulastya race, perceiving opportune time, has sought refuge out of fear."

Characters & Entities

• Paulastya lineage
• Vibhīṣaṇa (implied by Paulastya and refuge-seeking)
• Rāma (implied as the refuge)

FAQs

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

Śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge in righteousness) is portrayed as a dharmic act when one recognizes adharma’s danger. Choosing the side of Satya at the right time is itself a moral responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

The women interpret Vibhīṣaṇa’s defection: he perceived the danger and the turning of time, and therefore sought refuge with Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s discernment (viveka) and courage to choose dharma over clan-loyalty when the truth becomes clear.