Shloka 4.18.12

वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)

Devanagari script

त्वं तु संक्लिष्टधर्मा च कर्मणा च विगर्हितः।कामतन्त्रप्रधानश्च न स्थितो राजवर्त्मनि।।

Transliteration

tvaṁ tu saṅkliṣṭa-dharmā ca karmaṇā ca vigarhitaḥ | kāma-tantra-pradhānaś ca na sthito rāja-vartmani ||

Translation

But you have corrupted dharma and are censured for your deeds. Ruled chiefly by desire, you have not remained on the kingly path of righteous conduct.

Context

'You have violated dharma. You stand condemned for your actions. Passion is your priority. You have strayed from the right path of kings.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali

FAQs

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

A ruler must not be governed by kāma (desire); kingship demands adherence to rāja-dharma—publicly accountable, disciplined, and morally ordered conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vali criticizes Rama for shooting from concealment, Rama begins explaining that Vali’s own misconduct and deviation from kingly dharma warrant punishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s commitment to moral reasoning and rāja-dharma—he frames the dispute in terms of ethical standards rather than personal hostility.