Valmiki Ramayana 6.64.19 — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 19
महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः
Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault
एवमुक्त्वातुसम्रब्दःकुम्भकर्णंमहोदरः ।उवाचरक्षसांमध्येरावणंलोकरावणम् ।।।।
evam uktvā tu samrabdhaḥ kumbhakarṇaṃ mahodaraḥ |
uvāca rakṣasāṃ madhye rāvaṇaṃ lokarāvaṇam ||
Tendo assim falado, Mahodara, tomado de agitação, dirigiu-se a Rāvaṇa, o «atormentador do mundo», no meio dos Rākṣasas, a respeito de Kumbhakarṇa.
Mahodara having spoken to agitated Kumbhakarna in the midst of Rakshasas in this way, submitted to Ravana, who makes people cry.
FAQs
The verse highlights the courtly setting where counsel is offered to power. Dharma in such contexts requires that rulers hear truth and that advisors speak responsibly, since decisions affect the wider world.
After warning Kumbhakarṇa, Mahodara turns to address Rāvaṇa directly before the assembled Rākṣasas.
Civic courage: the willingness to speak in the king’s presence, even when the atmosphere is tense.
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