In the Valmiki Ramayana (Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 111), when Vibhishana initially refuses to cremate Ravana due to the demon king's unrighteous deeds, Lord Rama intervenes. He gently corrects Vibhishana and openly praises Ravana's unmatched valor and strength. [1, 2] These are the exact Sanskrit verses written by Valmiki where Rama praises Ravana: 1. Praising Ravana's Bravery and Brilliance Rama reminds Vibhishana that despite Ravana's flaws, his warrior prowess was undeniable: [1] अधर्मानृतसंयुक्तः कामं त्वेष निशाचरः । तेजस्वी बलवान् शूरः संयुगेषु च नित्यशः ॥ Translation: "Granted this night-stalker (Ravana) was full of unrighteousness and falsehood, yet he was always brilliant, mighty, and a brave warrior in battles." [1, 2] 2. Acknowledging His Invincibility (Even Against Gods) Rama highlights that Ravana was so formidable that even the king of gods, Indra, could not defeat him: [1, 2] शक्रहादिभिर्देवैश्चतुर्भिः सह लोकपैः । न शक्यः प्रसहं जेतुं श्रूयते बलवान् रणे ॥ Translation: "It is well known that this mighty warrior, in the midst of battle, could not be easily conquered even by the gods headed by Indra, along with the four guardians of the world." 3. Calling Him a "Great Soul" Rama addresses Ravana's formidable nature, acknowledging him as a powerful force महात्मा बलसम्पन्नो रावणो लोकरावणः Translation: "Ravana was a great soul, richly endowed with strength, even though he made the worlds weep (lokarāvaṇaḥ)." (Note: Immediately following these words of praise, Rama delivers the famous concluding line: "मरणान्तानि वैराणि..."—declaring that enmity ends with death and that Ravana is now as much his brother as he is Vibhishana's.)