Shloka 4.10.17

सुग्रीवस्य वैरानुकथनम् (Sugriva’s Account of Enmity and Appeal to Rama)

Devanagari script

तं प्रविष्टं विदित्वा सुघोरं सुमहद्बिलम्।अयमुक्तोऽथ मे भ्राता मया तु क्रूरदर्शनः।।

Transliteration

taṃ praviṣṭaṃ viditvā sughoraṃ sumahad-bilam | ayam ukto ’tha me bhrātā mayā tu krūra-darśanaḥ ||

Translation

Knowing that the dreadful foe had entered that vast and terrifying cave, I then addressed my own brother, grim of aspect, in these words.

Context

'When I saw the dreadful demon entering the great cave, I instructed this cruel brother of mine:

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva
• the great cave (bilam)

FAQs

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

The verse frames a kṣatriya-like duty of confronting danger directly: recognizing a threat and taking responsibility rather than withdrawing, while also communicating clearly to one’s kin.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli sees the dreadful being enter a huge cave and prepares to go in; before entering, he begins instructing Sugrīva.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and decisiveness—Vāli does not hesitate after identifying the danger, and he takes charge of the response.