Shloka 4.17.18

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

Devanagari script

दमश्शमः क्षमा धर्मो धृतिस्सत्यं पराक्रमः।पार्थिवानां गुणा राजन्दण्डश्चाप्यपराधिषु।।

Transliteration

damaś śamaḥ kṣamā dharmo dhṛtis satyaṁ parākramaḥ |

pārthivānāṁ guṇā rājan daṇḍaś cāpy aparādhiṣu ||

Translation

O king, self-restraint, inner composure, forbearance, dharma, steadfastness, truthfulness, and valor—these are the virtues of rulers; and so too is just punishment toward offenders.

Context

'O king! self-control (of organs of action and sense organs), righteousness, steadfastness, truthfulness, valiance and capacity to punish the offenders are virtues of a king.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• king/ruler (pārthiva)

FAQs

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

Rāja-dharma is defined as a balance of self-mastery, truth, endurance, and courage, coupled with just punishment—power must be ethically regulated and socially protective.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli shifts from personal accusation to a broader statement of political ethics, outlining what a righteous king is expected to embody.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (truthfulness) and dhṛti (steadfastness) are foregrounded as central royal virtues, alongside disciplined restraint (dama/śama).