Shloka 4.17.41

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

Devanagari script

त्वया नाथेन काकुत्स्थ न सनाथा वसुन्धरा।प्रमदा शीलसम्पन्ना धूर्तेन पतिना यथा।।

Transliteration

tvayā nāthena kākutstha na sanāthā vasundharā | pramadā śīlasampannā dhūrtena patinā yathā ||

Translation

O Kakutstha, with you as her lord, the earth is not truly protected—just as a virtuous woman cannot be safeguarded by a deceitful husband.

Context

'O Kakutstha! just as a wife endowed with good character cannot be protected by a wicked husband, you cannot be a protector of this earth.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli
• Vasundharā (Earth)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is protection (rakṣaṇa) grounded in integrity; if conduct is crooked, the claim to guardianship over the earth is morally void.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli attacks Rāma’s legitimacy as a dharmic protector, using an analogy of a virtuous wife paired with an unworthy husband.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rājadharma as truthful protection—leadership must be aligned with satya and uprightness, not deception.