Shloka 4.12.27

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

Devanagari script

तामेन वेलां वक्तव्यं त्वया राघव तत्त्वतः।वालिनं न निहन्मीति ततो नाहमितो व्रजे4.12.27।।

Transliteration

tām ena velāṃ vaktavyaṃ tvayā rāghava tattvataḥ | vālinam na nihanmīti tato nāham ito vraje || 4.12.27 ||

Translation

At that very time, Rāghava, you should have told me the truth: “I will not kill Vāli.” Then I would not have gone out from here at all.

Context

'Had you, in fact, told me that you were not going to kill Vali, I would not have budged from this place.'

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) is foundational to dharma: truthful disclosure enables informed consent—without it, an ally is pushed into danger under false expectations.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva argues that if Rāma had been truthful about not killing Vāli (as Sugrīva assumes from the inaction), Sugrīva would not have initiated the confrontation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to truth and fairness in partnership—demanding clarity before risking life and honor.