Shloka 4.17.42

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

Devanagari script

शठो नैकृतिकः क्षुद्रो मिथ्याप्रश्रितमानसः।कथं दशरथेन त्वं जातः पापो महात्मना।।

Transliteration

śaṭho naikṛtikaḥ kṣudro mithyāpraśritamānasaḥ | kathaṃ daśarathena tvaṃ jātaḥ pāpo mahātmanā ||

Translation

You are treacherous, dishonest, and base—your mind masked with false humility. How could a sinner like you have been born of the high-souled Daśaratha?

Context

'You are treacherous, dishonest, mean, guised with false humility and a sinner to the core. How were you born to that high-souled Dasaratha?

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Vāli frames deception and pretended humility as adharma, implying that true righteousness must align inner intent with outward conduct (satya and integrity).

What is the narrative situation?

After being struck by Rāma’s arrow from concealment during the Vāli–Sugrīva duel, the wounded Vāli rebukes Rāma, questioning his moral legitimacy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes the virtue of sincerity (truthfulness of mind and speech), by condemning hypocrisy and deceit.