Shloka 4.16.38

वालिवधः — The Slaying of Vali

Devanagari script

नरोत्तमः कालयुगान्तकोपमंशरोत्तमं काञ्चनरूप्यभुषितम्।ससर्ज दीप्तं तममित्रमर्दनंसधूममग्निं मुखतो यथा हरः4.16.38।।

Transliteration

tatas tena mahātejā vīyauṭatsiktaḥ kapīśvaraḥ |

vegenābhihato vālī nipapāta mahītale || 4.16.36 ||

Translation

Then Vāli, the radiant lord of monkeys, proud of his strength, was struck by the speed of that arrow and fell upon the earth.

Context

The arrow of Rama, distinguished among men, adorned with silver and gold, which could crush the enemy shone like fire and smoke emitted from the mouth of Rudra at the time of dissolution (at the end of the aeon).

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma (implied)
• Earth/ground (mahītala)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates karmic reversal: pride in strength is unstable, and when dharma’s correction arrives, even the mighty are brought down.

What is the narrative situation?

After being hit, Vāli collapses onto the earth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The text contrasts tejas (radiance/power) with the vice of mada (pride), implying humility as the needed counter-virtue.