Shloka 4.17.43

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

Devanagari script

छिन्नचारित्रकक्ष्येण सतां धर्मातिवर्तिना।त्यक्तधर्माङ्कुशेनाहं निहतो रामहस्तिना।।

Transliteration

chinnacāritrakakṣyeṇa satāṃ dharmātivartinā | tyaktadharmāṅkuśenāhaṃ nihato rāmahastinā ||

Translation

I have been slain by the elephant-like Rāma—by one who has snapped the restraints of good conduct, transgressed the dharma upheld by the righteous, and cast aside the goad of self-restraint.

Context

'Breaking through the chains of good character, trespassing the moral code of conduct of the sages, discharging the sharp arrow of righteousness, the elephantine (arrogant) Rama killed me.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• Dharma (as moral law of the righteous)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as a restraining force (aṅkuśa) that governs power; abandoning restraint turns strength into wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli, dying, intensifies his accusation that Rāma violated accepted norms of righteous conduct in battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and adherence to moral boundaries are highlighted as essential virtues for rulers and warriors.