Shloka 4.17.20

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

Devanagari script

न मामन्येन सम्रब्धं प्रमत्तं योद्धु मर्हसि।इति मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना बभूवादर्शने तव4.17.20।।

Transliteration

na tvāṁ vinihatātmānaṁ dharma-dhvajam adhārmikam |

jāne pāpa-samācāraṁ tṛṇaiḥ kūpam ivāvṛtam ||

Translation

I did not know you to be one who has slain his own conscience—unrighteous though bearing the banner of dharma—sinful in conduct, like a well whose mouth is hidden by grass.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma

FAQs

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

True dharma must be inwardly real, not merely displayed: the verse condemns ‘dharma as a banner’ without righteous action, linking ethics to integrity (satya to self).

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli interprets Rāma’s act as concealed wrongdoing and accuses him of hypocrisy—appearing virtuous while acting contrary to dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity (alignment of inner conscience and outer action) is emphasized by contrast—Vāli’s criticism implies that righteousness must be transparent and consistent.