Shloka 4.17.33

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

Devanagari script

न तेऽस्त्यपचितिर्धर्मे नार्थे बुद्धिरवस्थिता।।इन्द्रियैः कामवृत्तस्सन्कृष्यसे मनुजेश्वर।

Transliteration

na te 'sty apacitir dharme nārthe buddhir avasthitā | indriyaiḥ kāmavṛttaḥ san kṛṣyase manujeśvara ||

Translation

O lord of men, you show no reverence for dharma, nor is your judgment steady even regarding worldly aims; driven by sense-desires, you are being dragged along by your own senses.

Context

'O lord of men! you have no faith in righteousness, no steadfastness in the acquisition of wealth. You have no control over the senses. You are overcome by delusion.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma requires disciplined judgment and reverence for righteousness; a ruler who is led by the senses (indriyas) and desire (kāma) loses moral clarity and fails in rightful conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

After being struck by Rāma’s arrow from concealment, the wounded Vāli challenges Rāma’s moral authority and argues that Rāma’s act does not align with dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (indriya-nigraha) and steady discernment (buddhi) are presented as essential virtues for kingship and ethical action.