Shloka 1.1.63

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

Devanagari script

सुग्रीवश्शङ्कितश्चासीन्नित्यं वीर्येण राघवे ।।।।राघवप्रत्ययार्थं तु दुन्दुभे: कायमुत्तमम् ।दर्शयामास सुग्रीवो महापर्वतसन्निभम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sugrīvaḥ śaṅkitaś cāsīn nityaṃ vīryeṇa rāghave |

rāghava-pratyayārthaṃ tu dundubheḥ kāyam uttamam |

darśayāmāsa sugrīvo mahā-parvata-sannibham ||

Translation

Sugrīva remained ever doubtful of Rāghava’s prowess; therefore, to provide proof and establish confidence, he showed Rāma Dundubhi’s splendid body, vast as a great mountain.

Context

Doubtful of the prowess Sugriva of Rama Sugriva inorder to get convinced showed him the huge (dead) body of Dundubhi resembling a big mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Dundubhi

FAQs

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

Dharma here supports responsible judgment: before entering a dangerous conflict, Sugrīva seeks reasonable assurance. Ethical action is not blind impulse but informed trust grounded in evidence.

What is the narrative situation?

Before confronting Vāli, Sugrīva tests and confirms whether Rāma’s strength is sufficient, using Dundubhi’s massive corpse as a reference point.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s caution and practical wisdom (viveka) are highlighted—he seeks verification to protect the alliance and ensure the vow can be fulfilled.