Shloka 16
महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः
Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault
संशयस्थमिदंसर्वंशत्रोःप्रतिसमासने ।एकस्यगमनंतत्र न हिमेरोचतेभृशम् ।।।।
saṃśayastham idaṃ sarvaṃ śatroḥ pratisamāsane |
ekasya gamanaṃ tatra na hi me rocate bhṛśam ||
Apabila berhadapan terus dengan musuh, seluruh bala tentera ini berada dalam keadaan genting; sebab itu, engkau pergi ke sana seorang diri sama sekali tidak menyenangkan hatiku.
"Face to face with the enemy this total army will be in danger. You're going alone is certainly not desirable."
FAQs
Dharma includes responsibility for the collective (sainika and kingdom). A single person’s impulsive decision can imperil the whole; ethical leadership weighs communal risk.
Mahodara argues that a direct confrontation with Rāma endangers the entire Rākṣasa side, and thus Kumbhakarṇa should not proceed alone.
Accountability and strategic restraint—placing the army’s welfare above personal display.