Shloka 14
युद्धकाण्डे अष्टमः सर्गः — राक्षससभा-युद्धपरामर्शः
War-Council Boasts and Stratagems
कामरूपधराश्शूरास्सुभीमाभीमदर्शनाः ।राक्षसावैसहस्राणिराक्षसाधिपनिश्चिताः ।।6.8.13।।काकुत्स्थमुपसङ्गम्यबिभ्रतोमानुषंवपुः ।सर्वेह्यसम्भ्रमाभूत्वाब्रुवन्तुरघुसत्तमम् ।।6.8.14।।
kāmarūpadharāḥ śūrāḥ subhīmā bhīmadarśanāḥ | rākṣasā vai sahasrāṇi rākṣasādhipaniścitāḥ ||
kākutstham upasaṅgamya bibhrato mānuṣaṃ vapuḥ | sarve hy asambhramā bhūtvā bruvantu raghusattamam ||
噢，罗刹之主，愿成千上万的罗刹——勇猛无畏、形貌可怖，且能随意变幻形体者——披取人身，前往接近卡库特斯塔（罗摩），心神不乱，向罗瞿族中最卓越者陈言。
"O Lord of Rakshasas! Thousands of fearful Rakshasas capable of assuming any form at free will, heroic ones of frightful appearance should tell Rama the foremost of Raghus, quietly going near him in human form."
FAQs
It presents an ethical tension: the plan relies on disguise and manipulation, contrasting with the Ramayana’s ideal of Satya (truthfulness). The narrative invites reflection on how adharma often uses deception as a tool.
Prahastha proposes a tactic: shapeshifting rākṣasas should approach Rama in human guise and speak to him calmly—suggesting a deceptive or strategic approach rather than open combat.
Strategic composure (calm, controlled approach) is emphasized, though ethically ambiguous because it is paired with disguise rather than transparent, truthful engagement.