Shloka 4.16.32

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

ततो रामो महातेजा आर्तं दृष्ट्वा हरीश्वरम्।शरं च वीक्षते वीरो वालिनो वधकारणात् 4.16.32।।

Transliteration

soḍhuṃ na ca samartho 'haṃ yuddhakāmasya saṃyuge |

sugrīvasya ca samrambhaṃ hīnagrīvasya garjataḥ || 4.16.4 ||

Translation

“I cannot endure, on the battlefield, the agitation and challenge of Sugrīva—this weak-necked one—when he roars, eager for combat.”

Context

Finding the king of the monkeys in distress, the heroic, brilliant Rama looked for an arrow in order to kill Vali.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli

FAQs

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

The verse reflects the warrior-code impulse to answer a challenge in battle; it also warns how pride and anger can eclipse discernment and lead to ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

During the combat, Vāli reacts to Sugrīva’s roar and aggressive intent, declaring he cannot tolerate it and is driven to respond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and martial resolve are foregrounded, though the line also exposes Vāli’s impatience and pride as destabilizing traits.