Śárdúla
Family: Rákshases · Role: spy · First appears: Book VI, Canto 20 · The Spies
In Book VI, Canto 20, Śárdúla, a spy serving Rávaṇ, surveys the gathered army and reports that it is approaching, advising Rávaṇ to try bribery, persuasion, or division. In Canto 29, Rávaṇ sends him with the other spies to investigate the enemy’s plans, but at Suvela Vibhishaṇ recognizes and orders them bound.
Ráma frees Śárdúla and the other captive spies. In Canto 30, the account again describes Ráma showing mercy and granting freedom to the captive.
Relationship record
Book VI, Canto 20 · The Spies
- lord: Rávaṇ “Śárdúla, Rávaṇ’s spy, surveyed The legions on the strand arrayed.”
- enemies with Angad “This is no herald but a spy. Above thee from his airy post His rapid eye surveyed our host, Where with advantage he might scan Our gathered strength from rear to van. Bind him, Vánars, bind the spy, Nor let him back to Lanká fly.”
- with Ráma (Ráma orders Śárdúla’s release from captivity.) “And cried aloud: ‘O Vánars, cease; The captive from his bonds release.’”
Book VI, Canto 29 · Sárdúla Captured
- lord: Rávaṇ (Śárdúla is among the spies sent to observe the enemy.) “With joy they heard the words he said: Then with Śárdúla at their head About the giant king they went With circling paces reverent.”
- patron: Ráma (Śárdúla is the captive identified immediately before this passage.) “He neath the Vánars’ hands had died, But Ráma from their fury freed The captive in his utmost need, And, merciful at sight of woe, Loosed all the spies and bade them go.”
- with Vibhishaṇ (Vibhishaṇ has Śárdúla captured.) “Vibhishaṇ with observant eyes Knew at a glance the giant spies, And bade the warriors of his train Bind the rash foes with cord and chain: ‘Śárdúla’s is the sin,’ he cried.”
Book VI, Canto 30 · Sárdúla’s Speech
- lord: Rávaṇ (Śárdúla is Rávaṇ’s spokesman.) “And thus with close inquiry pressed Śárdúla spokesman for the rest:”
- patron: Ráma “He in his mercy stooped to save, And freedom to the captive gave.”
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Extracted from the original text of The Rámáyan of Válmíki. Made with Rho MD.