Shloka 4.17.52

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

Devanagari script

काममेवं विधो लोकः कालेन विनियुज्यते।क्षमं चेद्भवता प्राप्तमुत्तरं साधु चिन्त्यताम्।।

Transliteration

kāmamevaṃ vidho lokaḥ kālena viniyujyate | kṣamaṃ cedbhavatā prāptam uttaraṃ sādhu cintyatām ||

Translation

Indeed, such is the world: when the appointed time arrives, it is given over to death. You have obtained my death by hiding yourself—if you deem that proper, then reflect well and give your answer.

Context

'Indeed, in the world people meet with death when the time comes. Hiding yourself (from me) you have achieved it. Is it proper for you? You may think over and give your reply.'

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vālin
• kāla (Time/death)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands accountability: even if death is time-ordained, one must justify one’s actions truthfully and ethically. Vālin challenges the righteousness of killing from concealment.

What is the narrative situation?

Vālin presses Rāma for a reasoned defense: if Rāma considers the concealed shot acceptable, he should state and justify it openly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Demand for moral reasoning and truthful explanation—Vālin calls for a considered ‘uttara’ (answer) grounded in dharma.