Shloka 4.10.8

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

Devanagari script

त्वमेव राजा मानार्हस्सदा चाहं यथा पुरम्4.10.7।।राजभावनियोगोऽयं मम त्वद्विरहात्कृतः।सामात्यपौरनगरं स्थितं निहतकण्टकम्4.10.8।।

Transliteration

tvam eva rājā mānārhaḥ sadā cāhaṃ yathā puram (4.10.7) || rājabhāvaniyogo 'yaṃ mama tvadvirahāt kṛtaḥ | sāmātyapauranagaraṃ sthitaṃ nihatakaṇṭakam (4.10.8) ||

Translation

You alone are the rightful king, ever worthy of honor; and I remain as before, your brother. The rule I exercised was only a temporary duty in your absence, undertaken to keep the realm secure and steady, with ministers and citizens, and with all threats removed.

Context

'You alone are the king and worthy of reverence.I will be the same old brother carrying out my work as earlier. I held the responsibility of the state in your absence forced by the citizens and ministers. The kingdom has been kept stable with the enemies destroyed.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

Legitimacy and intent: authority is justified as a trust exercised for communal welfare, and truthfulness is shown by openly acknowledging the rightful king.

What is the narrative situation?

A continued/renumbered portion of Sugrīva’s defense regarding why he held royal authority.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for rightful sovereignty coupled with public-minded governance.