Shloka 4.16.30

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

तौ शोणिताक्तौ युध्येतां वानरौ वनचारिणौ।मेघाविव महाशब्दै स्तर्जमानौ परस्परम्4.16.30।।

Transliteration

adharṣitānāṃ śūrāṇāṃ samareṣv anivartinām |

dharṣaṇāmarṣaṇaṃ bhīru maraṇād atiricyate || 4.16.3 ||

Translation

O timid one, for heroes who are unconquered and who never turn back in battle, enduring humiliation is worse than death.

Context

The monkeys, wanderers in the forest, both with blood stains fiercely clashed pointing at each other, roaring with dreadful sounds like two clouds.

Characters & Entities

• heroes (śūrāḥ)
• battle (samara)

FAQs

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

The dharma emphasized is honor-bound steadfastness: for a warrior committed to protecting order, accepting disgrace without response is treated as a moral death—because it undermines courage, responsibility, and truthfulness to one’s vow.

What is the narrative situation?

A warrior justifies returning to combat (or refusing to withdraw) by stating that humiliation is unbearable for those who live by battle-duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and resolve—refusal to retreat or live with dishonor.