Valmiki Ramayana 6.16.26 — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 26
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
तन्मर्षयतुयच्चोक्तंगुरुत्वाद्धितमिच्छता ।।6.16.25।।अत्मानंसर्वथारक्षपुरींचेमांसराक्षसाम् ।स्वस्तितेऽस्तुगमिष्यामिसुखीभवमयाविना ।।6.16.26।।
pradhānaṃ sādhanaṃ vaidyaṃ dharmaśīlaṃ ca rākṣasaḥ |
jñātayo hy avamanyante śūraṃ paribhavanti ca ||
ஓ ராக்ஷஸா! தலைவன் திறமையுடனும் கல்வியுடனும் தர்மநிஷ்டையுடனும் வீரனாகவும் இருந்தாலும், அவனுடைய உறவினரே அவனை இகழ்ந்து அவமதிப்பர்।
"Since you are an elderly one, I desired to tender good advice and spoke these words. I may be excused. You protect all these Rakshasas, this capital city and yourself after I depart. Let you be auspicious and be happy."
FAQs
Dharma in leadership is not validated by popularity; the verse teaches steadiness in righteousness even when one faces disrespect—even from one’s own people.
Vibhīṣaṇa continues warning Rāvaṇa that internal circles can undermine a ruler, so Rāvaṇa should listen to dharmic counsel rather than flattery.
Forthright integrity and commitment to dharma over social approval.
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