Shloka 4.16.29

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

वृक्षैः स्सशाखै स्सशिखैर्वज्रकोटिनिभैर्नखैः4.16.28।।मुष्टिभिर्जानुभिः पद्भिर्बाहुभिश्च पुनः पुनः।तयोर्युद्धमभूद्घोरं वृत्रवासवयोरिव4.16.29।।

Transliteration

tau śoṇitāktau yudhyetāṃ vānarau vanacāriṇau |

meghāv iva mahāśabdaiḥ starjamānau parasparam || 4.16.30 ||

Translation

Those two forest-roaming monkeys, smeared with blood, fought on—thundering at each other with mighty roars, like two clouds.

Context

Both like Vritra and Indra fought, hitting each other again and again with trees full of branches and tops, with their hard nails akin to thunderbolts and with their fists, knees, feet, etc.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālin
• forest
• clouds

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the cost of adharma-driven rivalry: kin-conflict and power-struggle spill into bloodshed, urging the listener to value restraint, reconciliation, and truth-guided leadership.

What is the narrative situation?

The duel continues; both are wounded and roar at each other amid the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ferocity and unwavering engagement—though the imagery also serves as a warning about uncontrolled rage.