Shloka 4.17.26

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

Devanagari script

कः क्षत्रियकुले जात्शृतवान्नष्टसंशयः।धर्मलिङ्गप्रतिच्छन्न क्रूरं कर्म समाचरेत्।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ narādhipateḥ putraḥ pratītaḥ priyadarśanaḥ | liṅgam apy asti te rājan dṛśyate dharmasaṃhitam || 4.17.25 ||

Translation

You are the son of a king—well known and fair to behold. Indeed, O prince, the marks of one aligned with dharma are seen in you.

Context

'Who, born in a kshatriya family, versed in the Vedas and free from doubt will commit such a cruel act under the guise of righteousness?

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Public role and moral expectation: a prince who bears the signs of dharma is expected to act consistently with that reputation.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli contrasts Rāma’s royal, dharmic appearance and fame with the troubling act that has just occurred.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal decorum and moral credibility: dharma must be visible not only in status but in conduct.