Shloka 4.12.31

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

Devanagari script

स्वरेण वर्चसा चैव प्रेक्षितेन च वानर।विक्रमेण च वाक्यैश्च व्यक्तिं वां नोपलक्षये4.12.31।।

Transliteration

svareṇa varcasā caiva prekṣitena ca vānara |

vikrameṇa ca vākyaiś ca vyaktiṁ vāṁ nopalakṣaye || 4.12.31 ||

Translation

O monkey, in voice, radiance, appearance, prowess, and speech, I cannot discern any clear distinction between the two of you.

Context

'O monkey! in your voice, in brightness, in looks, in valour or in words I have marked no difference between you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vālī

FAQs

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

Dharma demands clarity before punishment; when certainty is lacking, restraint is ethically superior to irreversible harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues explaining the practical difficulty of distinguishing Sugrīva from Vālī during the fight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Conscientiousness—Rāma refuses to act blindly even under pressure.