Shloka 4.14.13

किष्किन्धायां सुग्रीवस्य नादः — Sugriva’s War-Cry at Kishkindha

Devanagari script

प्रत्यक्षं सप्त ते साला मया बाणेन दारिताः।तेनावेहि बलेनाद्य वालिनं निहतं मया4.14.13।।

Transliteration

pratyakṣaṃ sapta te sālā mayā bāṇena dāritāḥ | tenāvehi balenādya vāliṃ nihataṃ mayā ||

Translation

Before your very eyes I split seven sāla trees with one arrow; by that measure, know that today I will slay Vāli with the same strength.

Context

'You have seen how I have pierced through seven sala trees with a single arrow. You will know how with the same strength I will kill Vali.'

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• sāla (tree)
• bāṇa (arrow)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes providing rational grounds for trust: Rāma supports his promise with demonstrable evidence, reducing fear and preventing reckless action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reassures Sugrīva by pointing to the earlier feat of piercing seven sāla trees as proof he can defeat Vāli.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competence joined to integrity—strength is presented as a tool to uphold a righteous commitment.