Shloka 29
विभीषणागमनम्
Vibhīṣaṇa’s Arrival and the Debate on Refuge
वध्यतामेषतीव्रेणदण्डेनसचिवैस्सह ।रावणस्यनृशंसस्यभ्राताह्येषविभीषणः ।।6.17.29।।
vadhyatām eṣa tīvreṇa daṇḍena sacivaiḥ saha |
rāvaṇasya nṛśaṁsasya bhrātā hy eṣa vibhīṣaṇaḥ ||6.17.29||
“Hendaklah Vibhīṣaṇa ini dihukum mati dengan hukuman yang keras, bersama para pengikutnya; kerana dia ialah saudara kepada Rāvaṇa yang kejam.”
His four companions of terrific prowess were also there with him. They were wearing all weapons and were adorned with excellent ornaments.
FAQs
It raises the dharmic tension between security and justice: judging someone by association (being Rāvaṇa’s brother) versus investigating intent and seeking truth (satya) before punishment.
Upon Vibhīṣaṇa’s approach to Rāma’s side, Sugrīva urges immediate execution, fearing deception from Rāvaṇa’s family.
Sugrīva’s protective loyalty and caution toward Rāma—though it also highlights the need for measured judgment.