Shloka 1.1.62

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

प्रतिज्ञातं च रामेण तदा वालिवधं प्रति ।।।।वालिनश्च बलं तत्र कथयामास वानर: ।

Transliteration

pratijñātaṃ ca rāmeṇa tadā vālivadhaṃ prati |

vālinaś ca balaṃ tatra kathayāmāsa vānaraḥ ||

Translation

Then Rāma vowed that he would slay Vālī; and thereupon Sugrīva described Vālī’s strength and prowess.

Context

Then Rama vowed to slay Vali. The monkey (Sugriva) described about Vali's prowess to Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as satya in action: once Rāma gives a vow (pratijñā), he is bound to uphold it. The verse frames righteousness as reliability and moral accountability in commitments.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva seeks Rāma’s help against Vāli. Rāma commits to the task, and Sugrīva begins explaining Vāli’s formidable power to clarify the challenge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s virtue of truthfulness and steadfastness (satya-niṣṭhā) is emphasized through the act of making a binding vow; Sugrīva’s prudence appears in assessing and presenting the opponent’s strength.