Shloka 4

महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः

Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault

Devanagari script

स्थानंवृद्धिं च हानि च देशकालविभागवित् ।आत्मनश्चपरेषां च बुध्यतेराक्षसर्षभः ।।।।

Transliteration

sthānaṃ vṛddhiṃ ca hāniṃ ca deśakālavibhāgavit |

ātmanaśca pareṣāṃ ca budhyate rākṣasarṣabhaḥ ||

Translation

Bậc hùng ngưu trong loài La-sát ấy, am tường phân biệt thời và xứ, thấu rõ sự an định, tăng trưởng và suy vi của chính mình cũng như của kẻ địch.

Word by Word

स्थानम्position/state

वृद्धिम्increase/prosperity

चand

हानिम्loss/decline

चand

देशकालविभागवित्knower of distinctions of place and time

आत्मनःof himself

चand

परेषाम्of others (enemies)

चand

बुध्यतेunderstands/knows

राक्षसर्षभःthe bull among Rakshasas

Context

"Ravana, a bull among Rakshasas is conversant with rules of time and place and knows his own enemies, his progress and decline also."

Characters & Entities

Ravana

Rakshasas

FAQs

What are the three states of political existence mentioned in this verse?

The verse mentions 'Sthana' (Stability or Stagnation), 'Vriddhi' (Growth or Prosperity), and 'Hani' (Decline or Loss). A wise king must monitor these states constantly.

How does this verse reflect the importance of 'Desha' and 'Kala' in Dharma?

It highlights that righteousness and political success depend on context. Understanding 'Desha' (Place) and 'Kala' (Time) is essential for applying Dharma correctly in statecraft.