Shloka 93
दुन्दुभिवधप्रसङ्गः
The Dundubhi Episode and the Proof of Rama’s Prowess
यथा हि तेजस्सु वरस्सदा रविर्यथा हि शैलो हिमवान्महाद्रिषु।यथा चतुष्पात्सु च केसरी वरस्तथा नरणामसि विक्रमे वरः4.11.93।।
yathā hi tejassu varas sadā ravir yathā hi śailo himavān mahādriṣu |
yathā catuṣpātsu ca kesarī varas tathā narāṇām asi vikrame varaḥ ||
Wie die Sonne stets die Erste unter den Leuchtenden ist, wie Himavān der Erste unter den großen Bergen ist, und wie der Löwe der Erste unter den vierfüßigen Tieren ist—so bist du der Erste unter den Menschen an Tapferkeit.
'Now string your bow, draw it like the trunk of an elephant up to your ear and release the great arrow.
FAQs
Dharma as recognition of true merit: rightful leadership and protection depend on genuine excellence; praise is ethically sound when rooted in satya (truth).
After proposing a fair test of strength, Sugrīva affirms Rama’s supreme valour through traditional comparisons to the greatest in their domains.
Rama’s vikrama (heroic prowess) as a dharmic instrument—strength meant to uphold promises, protect allies, and restore order.