Shloka 4.17.30

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

Devanagari script

भूमिर्हिरण्यं रूप्यं च विग्रहे कारणानि च।अत्र कस्ते वने लोभो मदीयेषु फलेषु वा।।

Transliteration

tasmin nipatite bhūmau vānarāṇāṃ gaṇeśvare | naṣṭacandram iva vyoma na vyarājata bhūtalam || 4.17.3 ||

Translation

When the lord of the vānara hosts fell upon the ground, the earth no longer shone—like the sky when the moon has vanished.

Context

'We fight for land or gold or silver. What did you fight me for, for what I have or for the fruits of the forest?

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• earth (bhūtala)
• sky (vyoma)
• moon (candra)

FAQs

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

It underscores the gravity of a leader’s fall and the ethical weight of kingship—when a protector collapses, the world feels diminished.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration describes Vāli’s collapse after being struck, using a cosmic simile to convey the shock and loss.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Leadership significance: the verse highlights how a chief’s presence sustains collective strength and order.