Shloka 4.12.17

द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark (Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12)

Devanagari script

ततस्सुतुमुलं युद्धं वालिसुग्रीवयोरभूत्।गगने ग्रहयोर्घोरं बुधाङ्गारकयोरिव4.12.17।।

Transliteration

tatas sutumulaṃ yuddhaṃ vālisugrīvayor abhūt | gagane grahayor ghoraṃ budhāṅgārakayor iva ||

Translation

Then a fiercely tumultuous battle arose between Vāli and Sugrīva—like a dreadful clash of planets in the sky, as of Mercury and Mars.

Context

Then a tumultuous combat took place between Vali and Sugriva who looked like the planets Mercury and Mars.

Characters & Entities

• Vali
• Sugriva
• Budha (Mercury)
• Angaraka (Mars)
• sky (gagana)

FAQs

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

It highlights the destructive scale of fraternal conflict: when dharma breaks within family, the fallout is portrayed as cosmic and terrifying.

What is the narrative situation?

Vali and Sugriva engage in a violent, chaotic combat after the challenge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance and martial prowess are shown, though the verse chiefly underscores the gravity of the conflict.