Shloka 4.17.4

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

Devanagari script

भूमौ निपतितस्यापि तस्य देहं महात्मनः।न श्रीर्जहाति न प्राणा न तेजो न पराक्रमः।।

Transliteration

bhūmau nipatitasyāpi tasya dehaṃ mahātmanaḥ | na śrīr jahāti na prāṇā na tejo na parākramaḥ ||

Translation

Even though the great-souled Vāli’s body had fallen to the ground, its splendor did not leave it—nor its life-breath, nor its radiance, nor its valor.

Context

Even though the high-souled Vali's body had fallen on the ground, its splendour, glow, life and valour had not left it.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the dignity of a fallen hero; dharma includes honoring valor and recognizing the gravity of taking a life, even in conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

After being struck, Vāli lies on the ground; the narration highlights his undiminished radiance and heroic presence even in collapse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Heroic valor (parākrama) and innate radiance (tejas), marking Vāli’s stature despite impending death.