Shloka 4.17.17

वालिवधः — Vālī’s Fall and Dharma-Accusation (Kiṣkindhā Sarga 17)

Devanagari script

रामः करुणवेदी च प्रजानां च हिते रतः।सानुक्रोशो जितोत्साहस्समयज्ञो दृढव्रतः।।4.17.16।।इति ते सर्वभूतानि कथयन्ति यशो भुवि।।4.17.17।।

Transliteration

iti te sarva-bhūtāni kathayanti yaśo bhuvi ||

Translation

“Thus do all beings in the world speak of your fame.”

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• all beings (sarva-bhūta)

FAQs

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

Public moral reputation is presented as a social witness to dharma: a ruler’s virtues are expected to be consistent with actions, not merely proclaimed.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli underscores the contrast between Rāma’s celebrated renown and the act Vāli considers unfair, intensifying the moral challenge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue emphasized is truthful renown—fame grounded in real compassion and righteousness, validated by the wider world.