Shloka 4.16.13

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

प्रविष्टायां तु तारायां सह स्त्रीभिस्स्वमालयम्।नगरान्निर्ययौ क्रुद्धो महासर्प इव श्वसन्4.16.13।।

Transliteration

praviṣṭāyāṃ tu tārāyāṃ saha strībhis svam ālayam | nagarān niryayau kruddho mahāsarpa iva śvasan ||

Translation

When Tārā had entered her dwelling with the women, Vāli—still enraged—went out from the city, breathing hard like a great serpent.

Context

After Tara and other women returned to their abode, Vali departed from the city, hissing like a huge angry cobra.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Kiṣkindhā (city, implied)

FAQs

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

Unchecked anger dehumanizes and destabilizes judgment; Dharma urges inner calm so power does not turn destructive.

What is the narrative situation?

After Tārā withdraws, Vāli departs the city to confront Sugrīva, still seething with rage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A cautionary lack of virtue: the verse stresses how wrath can dominate a warrior’s conduct.