Shloka 4.17.32

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

Devanagari script

त्वं तु कामप्रधानश्च कोपनश्चानवस्थितः।।राजवृत्तेश्च सङ्कीणश्शरासनपरायणः।

Transliteration

nayaś ca vinayaś cobhau nigrahānugrahāv api | rājavṛttir asaṅkīrṇā na nṛpāḥ kāmavṛttayaḥ || 4.17.31 ||

Translation

Policy and humility—along with restraint and favor—each has its proper place. The king’s conduct must not be confused or disorderly; kings must not act by mere impulse and desire.

Context

'Fulfilling your own desire is important for you. You are wrathful and unstable with royal course of conduct. Your business is with your bow and arrows.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• rājavṛtti (royal conduct)

FAQs

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

Self-governance as governance: a king must not be ruled by kāma (impulse/desire); rājadharma requires ordered judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli articulates a theory of kingship, implying that Rāma’s action appears impulsive rather than principled.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and discernment—knowing when to show favor, when to restrain, and how to keep royal conduct coherent.