Valmiki Ramayana 5.53.2 — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 2
लाङ्गूलदाह-पर्यटनम्
The Burning Tail and the Parade through Laṅkā
सम्यगुक्तं हि भवता दूतवध्या विगर्हिता।अवश्यं तु वधादन्यः क्रियतामस्य निग्रहः।।5.53.2।।
samyag uktaṃ hi bhavatā dūtavadhyā vigarhitā | avaśyaṃ tu vadhād anyaḥ kriyatām asya nigrahaḥ ||5.53.2||
നിങ്ങൾ പറഞ്ഞത് യഥാർത്ഥം തന്നെ—ദൂതവധം നിന്ദ്യമാണ്. എങ്കിലും മരണശിക്ഷയല്ലാത്ത മറ്റൊരു ദണ്ഡത്തിലൂടെ അവനെ നിർബന്ധമായി നിയന്ത്രിക്കണം.
"Indeed, you have spoken very well.Killing of emissary is censured (in sastras). Surely we will impose suitable punishment other than killing.
FAQs
Even in conflict, dharma sets limits: an envoy is protected by convention and śāstric ethics, so punishment must not violate that protected status.
In Laṅkā’s court, after Hanumān is captured as a messenger, the discussion turns to what penalty is permissible; the decision is to punish without executing him.
Respect for maryādā (ethical boundaries of war and diplomacy), expressed as adherence to the rule that a dūta should not be slain.
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