Shloka 3
प्रहस्तवधः
The Slaying of Prahasta
राघवस्यवचश्श्रुत्वाप्रत्युवाचविभीषणः ।।।।एषसेनापतिस्तस्यप्रहस्तोनामराक्षसः ।लङ्कायांराक्षसेन्द्रस्यत्रिभागबलसम्वृतः ।।।।वीर्यवानस्त्रविच्छूरःसुप्रख्याश्चपराक्रमे ।
rāghavasyavacaḥ śrutvā pratyuvāca vibhīṣaṇaḥ | eṣa senāpatis tasya prahasto nāma rākṣasaḥ || laṅkāyāṃ rākṣasendrasya tribhāga-bala-saṃvṛtaḥ | vīryavān astravic chūraḥ suprakhyāś ca parākrame ||
राघव के वचन सुनकर विभीषण ने उत्तर दिया—“यह प्रहस्त नामक राक्षस है, उसी राजा की सेना का सेनापति। लंका में यह राक्षसेन्द्र की सेना के एक तिहाई भाग से घिरा रहता है—पराक्रमी, शस्त्रविद्या में निपुण, वीर और अपने शौर्य के लिए सुप्रसिद्ध।”
On hearing Raghava's words Vibheeshana replied." He is a Rakshasa, by name Prahastha, commander in chief of the army of Rakshasa king. He is widely known for his prowess, conversant with weapons and courageous. He is heroic and a third of the army of Ravana is under his command."
FAQs
Satya as dharma in counsel: Vibhīṣaṇa speaks truthfully to aid righteous strategy, placing integrity above former loyalties.
Rāma seeks identification/assessment of an enemy leader; Vibhīṣaṇa recognizes Prahasta and reports his rank and strength.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s satya and hita (beneficial speech): accurate intelligence shared for the protection of the dharmic side.