Shloka 4.16.17

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

स वाली गाढसंवीतो मुष्टिमुद्यम्य वीर्यवान्।सुग्रीवमेवाभिमुखो ययौ योद्धुं कृतक्षणः4.16.17।।

Transliteration

sa vālī gāḍhasaṃvīto muṣṭim udyamya vīryavān |

sugrīvam evābhimukho yayau yoddhuṃ kṛtakṣaṇaḥ || 4.16.17 ||

Translation

With his garment tightly fastened, the valiant Vāli raised his fist and strode straight toward Sugrīva, impatient for the moment of battle.

Context

Vali tied up his cloth tightly, raised his fist and advanced towards Sugriva, ready for the encounter.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against haste in violence; eagerness to strike can eclipse reflection, reconciliation, and truth-seeking (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli physically initiates the confrontation, moving directly toward Sugrīva with raised fist.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Boldness and fearlessness, expressed as aggressive readiness.