Shloka 4.17.47

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

Devanagari script

त्वयाऽदृश्येन तु रणे निहतोऽहं दुरासदः।प्रसुप्तः पन्नगेनेव नरः पानवशं गतः।।

Transliteration

tvayādṛśyena tu raṇe nihato 'haṃ durāsadaḥ | prasuptaḥ pannageneva naraḥ pānavaśaṃ gataḥ ||

Translation

But I—an unassailable warrior—have been killed in battle by you while you were unseen, like a man overcome by drink and fast asleep, struck down by a serpent.

Context

bitten to death by a snake while fast asleep.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma
• serpent (pannaga)

FAQs

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

The verse argues that dharma in combat requires transparency; killing from concealment is likened to an ignoble act against a defenseless person.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli compares Rāma’s unseen shot to a snake killing a sleeping drunk—an image meant to underscore vulnerability and unfairness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sportsmanship/fairness in conflict—victory should not come through exploiting an opponent’s inability to respond.