Shloka 4.16.21

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु सुग्रीवः क्रुद्धो वालिनमब्रवीत्।तवैव चा हरन्प्राणान्मुष्टिः पततु मूर्धनि4.16.21।।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu sugrīvaḥ kruddho vālinam abravīt |

tavaiva cā haran prāṇān muṣṭiḥ patatu mūrdhani || 4.16.21 ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Sugrīva—angered—replied to Vāli: “Let my fist fall upon your head and take away your very life.”

Context

This infuriated Sugriva who, looking at Vali, said 'This fist of mine will draw your life out, hitting your forehead'.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Retaliation escalates harm; Dharma prefers measured justice and truth-seeking over vengeance-driven speech and action.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva responds to Vāli’s threat with an equally lethal counter-threat, intensifying the clash.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage mixed with wrath; the verse foregrounds the peril of reactive anger.