Shloka 4.14.20

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

Devanagari script

तस्य शब्देन वित्रस्ता गावो यान्ति हतप्रभाः।राजदोषपरामृष्टाः कुलस्त्रिय इवाकुलाः4.14.20।।

Transliteration

jitakāśī balaślāghī tvayā cādharṣitaḥ purā |

niṣpatiṣyaty asaṅgena vālī sa priyasaṅyugaḥ || 4.14.17 ||

Translation

That Vali—victorious in battle, boastful of his might and eager for combat—having once been challenged by you, will rush out from the city without hesitation.

Context

Alarmed at the yelling of Sugriva, the cows began to run in all directions, like the women of noble pedigree who, with their brightness lost, run perplexed for failure of the king to protect their chastity.

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Rama
• Vali
• Kishkindha (city implied by ‘from the city’)

FAQs

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

The verse cautions that pride in strength can drive swift, aggressive responses; Dharma requires that power be tempered by self-control, otherwise valor becomes mere impulsiveness.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva predicts Vali’s immediate reaction to the provocation: he will come out promptly to meet the challenge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial ardor (yuddha-prīti) is highlighted in Vali, though framed alongside the moral risk of pride.