Shloka 4.16.23

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

सुग्रीवेण तु निस्सङ्गं सालमुत्पाट्य तेजसा।गात्रेष्वभिहतो वाली वज्रेणेव महागिरिः4.16.23।।

Transliteration

sugrīveṇa tu nissaṅgaṃ sālam utpāṭya tejasā |

gātreṣv abhihato vālī vajreṇeva mahāgiriḥ || 4.16.23 ||

Translation

With forceful vigor, Sugrīva uprooted a sāla tree and struck Vālin on his limbs—like a thunderbolt striking a great mountain.

Context

With all his vigour, Sugriva uprooted a sala tree, pulled it out and struck Vali on the body, like a thunderbolt striking a huge mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālin
• sāla tree
• vajra (thunderbolt)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the dharma of facing an opponent directly in a pledged combat: Sugrīva commits fully to the duel he has undertaken, using available means without retreat.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva and Vālin are engaged in a fierce duel; Sugrīva attempts to overpower Vālin by uprooting a tree and using it as a weapon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s determination and martial resolve—acting decisively in the moment of crisis.