Shloka 3.72.18

कबन्धमोक्षः—सुग्रीवमैत्र्युपदेशः (Kabandha’s Release and Counsel to Befriend Sugriva)

Devanagari script

स च ते नावमन्तव्यस्सुग्रीवो वानराधिपः।।।।कृतज्ञः कामरूपी च सहायार्थी च वीर्यवान्।

Transliteration

sa ca te nāvamantavyaḥ sugrīvo vānarādhipaḥ | kṛtajñaḥ kāmarūpī ca sahāyārthī ca vīryavān ||

Translation

And Sugrīva, lord of the Vānara, is not to be slighted by you: he is grateful, able to assume forms at will, and though powerful, he seeks an ally’s help.

Context

Thinking that Sugriva is only a vanara king, he should not be disrespected. He has a sense of gratitude. He can take any form at will. He is in need of your help although he is very strong.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Vānara (monkey hosts)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Respect for worthy allies regardless of outward status—Dharma rejects contempt and values gratitude and mutual support.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is instructed to approach Sugrīva properly, without underestimating him as merely a vānaraking.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and discernment: recognizing capability and good character (gratitude) in others.