Shloka 4.17.34

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

Devanagari script

हत्वा बाणेन काकुत्स्थ मामिहानपराधिनम्।।किं वक्ष्यसि सतां मध्ये कर्म कृत्वा जुगुप्सितम्।

Transliteration

hatvā bāṇena kākutstha mām ihānaparādhinam | kiṃ vakṣyasi satāṃ madhye karma kṛtvā jugupsitam ||

Translation

O scion of Kakutstha, having killed me here with an arrow though I had done you no wrong, and having committed a deed that is shameful—what will you say in your defense among the righteous?

Context

'O scion of the Kakutsthas! Having killed me here with your arrow even though I have done you no harm, you have perpetrated an abominable act. How will you defend yourself in the midst of holy men after commiting such a sinful act?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli
• Kakutstha (dynastic epithet)

FAQs

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

Actions must withstand the scrutiny of the virtuous; dharma includes accountability—especially for rulers—before the moral community (satāṃ madhye).

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli, mortally wounded, challenges Rāma about killing him despite Vāli’s claim of having committed no offense against Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral accountability and truthfulness in justification—being able to give a dharmic reason openly among the righteous.