Shloka 4.17.44

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

Devanagari script

अशुभं चाप्ययुक्तं च सतां चैव विगर्हितम्।वक्ष्यसे चेदृशं कृत्वा सद्भिस्सह समागतः।।

Transliteration

aśubhaṃ cāpyayuktaṃ ca satāṃ caiva vigarhitam | vakṣyase cedṛśaṃ kṛtvā sadbhiḥ saha samāgataḥ ||

Translation

This deed is inauspicious, improper, and condemned by the virtuous. After doing such a thing, what will you say when you stand among noble people and are questioned?

Context

'You have committed an inauspicious, improper act, despised by the virtuous. What will you speak when you are questioned by noble men for committing such an act?

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• sat (the virtuous/noble persons)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes moral accountability: one must be able to justify actions before the wise and virtuous, not merely claim righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli challenges Rāma’s moral defense, invoking the judgment of virtuous society as a standard for dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Answerability and moral clarity—being able to give a truthful and coherent justification for one’s actions.