Shloka 4
प्रहस्तवधः
The Slaying of Prahasta
राघवस्यवचश्श्रुत्वाप्रत्युवाचविभीषणः ।।6.58.3।।एषसेनापतिस्तस्यप्रहस्तोनामराक्षसः ।लङ्कायांराक्षसेन्द्रस्यत्रिभागबलसम्वृतः ।।6.58.4।।वीर्यवानस्त्रविच्छूरःसुप्रख्याश्चपराक्रमे ।
eṣa senāpatis tasya prahasto nāma rākṣasaḥ |
laṅkāyāṃ rākṣasendrasya tribhāgabalasaṃvṛtaḥ || 6.58.4 ||
vīryavān astravic chūraḥ suprakhyāś ca parākrame |
“Ito ang rākṣasa na nagngangalang Prahasta, ang senāpati ng hukbo ng hari ng mga rākṣasa sa Laṅkā, na napaliligiran ng ikatlong bahagi ng sandatahan. Siya’y makapangyarihan, bihasa sa mga sandata, bayani, at bantog sa kanyang kagitingan.”
On hearing Raghava's words Vibheeshana replied." He is a Rakshasa, by name Prahastha, commander in chief of the army of Rakshasa king. He is widely known for his prowess, conversant with weapons and courageous. He is heroic and a third of the army of Ravana is under his command."
FAQs
Truthful counsel given for righteous action: Vibhīṣaṇa speaks factually about the enemy’s strength so that Rāma may respond with discernment and proper war-duty (kṣātra-dharma), not rashness.
After hearing Rāma’s words, Vibhīṣaṇa identifies and describes Prahastha, a major Laṅkā commander, emphasizing his military capacity and the force under him.
Satya and responsible counsel in Vibhīṣaṇa—accurate intelligence offered for dharmic decision-making in battle.