Shloka 4.16.37

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

इन्द्रध्वज इवोद्धूतः पौर्णमास्यां महीतले।आश्वयुक्समये मासि गतश्रीको विचेतनः4.16.37।।

Transliteration

muktas tu vajranirghoṣaḥ pradīptāśanisannibhaḥ |

rāghaveṇa mahābāṇo vālivakṣasi pātitaḥ || 4.16.35 ||

Translation

Released by Rāghava, the great arrow—thundering like a vajra and blazing like lightning—struck into Vāli’s chest.

Context

Vali fell lustreless on the ground. He was thrown down unconscious like the banner (hoisted in honour) of Indra on the fullmoon day of Aswayuja month.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Vāli
• Arrow (mahābāṇa)
• Vajra
• Lightning (āśani)

FAQs

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

Dharma is depicted as decisive action against a wrongdoer; the verse frames the act with cosmic, judicial imagery of thunder and lightning.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma releases the arrow that hits Vāli in the chest, turning the battle’s outcome.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Power joined to purpose—Rāma’s capacity to act effectively when he has resolved upon a course.