Shloka 4.17.51

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

Devanagari script

युक्तं यत्प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं सुग्रीवस्स्वर्गते मयि।अयुक्तं यदधर्मेण त्वयाऽहं निहतो रणे।।

Transliteration

yuktaṃ yatprāpnuyādrājyaṃ sugrīvaḥ svargate mayi | ayuktaṃ yadadharmeṇa tvayā'haṃ nihato raṇe ||

Translation

It is proper that Sugrīva should obtain the kingdom after I have gone to heaven. But it is not proper that you have slain me in battle by unrighteous means.

Context

'Sugriva inheriting the kingdom after my departure to heaven is proper. But your killing me this way in the combat by unjustifiable means is not.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Vālin
• rājya (kingdom)
• svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

The verse distinguishes rightful political succession (Sugrīva inheriting after Vālin’s death) from wrongful method (killing through adharma). Dharma concerns not only outcomes but also the means used.

What is the narrative situation?

Mortally wounded, Vālin speaks to Rāma, conceding that Sugrīva’s accession may be legitimate, while accusing Rāma’s manner of killing as unrighteous.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment and insistence on righteous procedure—Vālin appeals to standards of fair conduct in war and governance.