Shloka 4.14.21

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

Devanagari script

द्रवन्ति च मृगाश्शीघ्रं भग्ना इव रणे हयाः।पतन्ति च खगा भूमौ क्षीणपुण्या इव ग्रहाः4.14.21।।

Transliteration

ripūṇāṁ dharṣiṇa śūrā marṣayanti na saṁyuge |

jānantas tu svakaṁ vīryaṁ strīsamakṣaṁ viśeṣataḥ || 4.14.18 ||

Translation

Heroes, knowing their own prowess, do not endure an enemy’s taunt in battle—especially when it is hurled in the presence of women.

Context

The deer were unable to run like wounded horses in a battle. Birds fell down on the ground like planets fall when their merit is exhausted.

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Rama
• Vali (implied as the ‘hero’ who will react)
• women (strī)

FAQs

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

It warns about the power of provocative speech: insults and public taunts inflame conflict. Dharmic conduct values restraint in speech (vāg-niyama) to prevent needless escalation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva explains why Vali will certainly respond: warriors, especially under public scrutiny, feel compelled to answer challenges.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sense of honor and confidence in valor—though the verse implicitly critiques how social pride can pressure one into rash action.