Valmiki Ramayana 1.16.2: Bala Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 2
पायसप्रादुर्भावः · The Manifestation of the Divine Payasa and the Avatara Resolution
उपायः को वधे तस्य रावणस्य दुरात्मनः ।
यमहं तं समास्थाय निहन्यामृषिकण्टकम् ॥२॥
upāyaḥ ko vadhe tasya rāvaṇasya durātmanaḥ |
yamahaṃ taṃ samāsthāya nihanyāmṛṣikaṇṭakam ||2||
अब सोचना था कि रावण को कैसे मारना है। वो बुरा आदमी है जो रिशियों को परेशान करता है। कोई तरीका ढूँढना था उसे खत्म करने का।
"What strategies should be adopted in the matter of destruction of that evil-minded Ravana who is a thorn to the sages?".
FAQs
The verse demonstrates the Dharma of consultation and humility even for the divine. Despite being omniscient, Vishnu models the principle that important decisions should involve deliberation and seeking counsel, showing that true leadership involves collaboration rather than unilateral action.
Although Vishnu already knows the answer, he asks the assembled gods what strategy should be employed to destroy Ravana. This creates an opportunity for the devatas to participate in the divine plan and suggest that Vishnu take human form, which circumvents Brahma's boon protecting Ravana from divine beings.
The virtue of strategic wisdom combined with humility is emphasized. Vishnu, though supreme, invites participation from others in the decision-making process, demonstrating that even the highest authority benefits from collective wisdom and that true power includes the grace to listen.
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