Shloka 4.16.16

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

स तं दृष्ट्वा महावीर्यं सुग्रीवं पर्यवस्थितम्।गाढं परिदधे वासो वाली परमरोषण:4.16.16।।

Transliteration

sa taṃ dṛṣṭvā mahāvīryaṃ sugrīvaṃ paryavasthitam |

gāḍhaṃ paridadhe vāso vālī paramaroṣaṇaḥ || 4.16.16 ||

Translation

Seeing mighty Sugrīva standing firm, Vāli, burning with rage, tightened and secured his garment, preparing himself for combat.

Context

On seeing the great hero Sugriva standing firmly, the enraged Vali tied his upper cloth (around his loin) tightly.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts proper preparedness with inner agitation: Dharma calls for disciplined action rather than action driven by rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli, provoked by Sugrīva’s stance, physically readies himself to engage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial readiness and decisiveness—though colored by intense anger.