Shloka 4.16.3

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

अधर्षितानां शूराणां समरेष्वनिवर्तिनाम्।धर्षणामर्षणं भीरु मरणादतिरिच्यते4.16.3।।

Transliteration

hīyamānam atho 'paśyat sugrīvaṃ vānarēśvaram |

vīkṣamāṇaṃ diśaś caiva rāghavaḥ sa muhur muhuḥ || 4.16.31 ||

Translation

Then Rāghava saw Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, growing weak, and again and again glancing toward the directions, as though seeking help.

Context

O timid lady! to swallow insult (without facing the opponent) is worse than death forindomitable heroes (like me) who know no retreat in a battle.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Sugrīva
• directions (diśaḥ)

FAQs

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

It foregrounds satya and dharma in friendship: having pledged help to Sugrīva, Rāma attentively watches the moment when assistance becomes a duty, not an option.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva begins to falter and looks around repeatedly; Rāma perceives this, foreshadowing his intervention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s vigilance and responsibility toward an ally—readiness to uphold a promise at the critical moment.