Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 10, Shloka 8
विभीषणोपदेशः
Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana and the Catalogue of Omens
पुण्यान्पुण्याहघोषांश्चवेदविद्भिरुदाहृतान् ।शुश्रावसुमहातेजाभ्रातुर्विजयसंश्रितान् ।।।।
puṇyān puṇyāhaghōṣāṃś ca vedavidbhir udāhṛtān | śuśrāva sumahātejā bhrātur vijayasaṃśritān ||
Narinig ng lubhang maningning ang mga banal na pagbigkas ng “puṇyāha,” na inusal ng mga nakaaalam ng Veda, na iniaalay para sa tagumpay ng kaniyang kapatid.
Highly effulgent (Vibheeshana) heard sounds of recitation of sacred mantras from Vedas uttered by learned ones desiring a propitious day for his brother.
FAQs
It hints at the ethical tension between ritual auspiciousness and moral truth: blessings for ‘victory’ are meaningful only when aligned with dharma; otherwise, ritual becomes hollow.
As Vibhīṣaṇa enters, he hears Vedic specialists chanting auspicious benedictions intended for Rāvaṇa’s success.
Discernment (viveka): Vibhīṣaṇa can recognize ritual power yet remains committed to satya over partisan victory.