Shloka 4.17.21

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

Devanagari script

न त्वां विनिहतात्मानं धर्मध्वजमधार्मिकम्।जाने पापसमाचारं तृणैः कूपमिवावृतम्।।

Transliteration

satāṁ veṣa-dharaṁ pāpaṁ pracchannam iva pāvakam |

na ahaṁ tvām abhijānāmi dharma-cchadmābhisaṁvṛtam ||

Translation

I did not recognise you as a sinner wearing the guise of the good—like fire concealed—covered over by dharma as a mere pretext.

Context

'I did not know that you have killed your soul (by acting against your conscience), that you are sinful in conduct and unrighteous under the show of virtues like a well, its mouth covered with grass.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse warns against moral deception: invoking dharma as a cover undermines satya (truth) and turns righteousness into a tool for harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Continuing his reproach, Vāli intensifies the charge that Rāma’s righteousness is only outward, comparing it to hidden fire that burns unexpectedly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and transparency are emphasized negatively—ethical authority requires openness, not concealed intent.