Shloka 4.17.35

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

Devanagari script

राजहा ब्रह्महा गोघ्नश्चोरः प्राणिवधे रतः।।नास्तिकः परिवेत्ता च सर्वे निरयगामिनः।

Transliteration

rājahā brahmahā goghnaś coraḥ prāṇivadhe rataḥ | nāstikaḥ parivettā ca sarve nirayagāminaḥ ||

Translation

A killer of a king, a slayer of a brāhmaṇa, a killer of cows, a thief, one who delights in taking life, an atheist, and one who violates the proper order of marriage—such people all go to hell.

Context

'One who kills a king, a brahmin or a cow, a thief or one who delights in destruction of life; an atheist or one who marries before his elder - they all go to hell.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Certain acts are classified as grave transgressions (mahāpātaka-like deeds) with severe karmic consequences; dharma is upheld by recognizing moral boundaries and their results.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli lists notorious sins to frame Rāma’s act as morally comparable to condemned deeds, intensifying his accusation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for dharma through restraint from grievous harms—especially protecting life and upholding sacred/social norms.