Shloka 4.16.20

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

एष मुष्टिर्मयाबद्धो गाढस्सन्निहिताङ्गुलिः।मया वेगविमुक्तस्ते प्राणानादाय यास्यति4.16.20।।

Transliteration

eṣa muṣṭir mayā baddho gāḍhaḥ sannihitāṅguliḥ |

mayā vegavimuktas te prāṇān ādāya yāsyati || 4.16.20 ||

Translation

“This fist of mine is clenched tight, the fingers pressed close; once I hurl it with force, it will depart only after taking away your life.”

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

Threatening speech reveals intent toward harm; Dharma restrains violence and condemns prideful cruelty, especially against kin.

What is the narrative situation?

In the heat of the confrontation, Vāli verbally threatens Sugrīva with a lethal blow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Physical confidence and dominance; ethically, it serves as a negative example of arrogance (mada) joined to anger.