Shloka 4.18.18

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

Devanagari script

तदेतत्कारणं पश्य यदर्थं त्वं मया हतः।भ्रातुर्वर्तसि भार्यायां त्यक्त्वा धर्मं सनातनम्।।

Transliteration

tad etat kāraṇaṁ paśya yadarthaṁ tvaṁ mayā hataḥ | bhrātur vartasi bhāryāyāṁ tyaktvā dharmaṁ sanātanam ||

Translation

See, then, the reason for which you were struck down by me: forsaking eternal dharma, you have lived with your brother’s wife.

Context

'Now know the reason why I struck you down. Having abandoned the eternal law, you are living with your younger brother's wife.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali
• Sugriva
• Ruma

FAQs

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

Sexual conduct is governed by maryādā (moral boundaries); violating a brother’s marriage is a serious breach of sanātana-dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama states the explicit charge: Vali’s taking of Sugriva’s wife is the basis for Rama’s punitive action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Upholding moral boundaries even in political conflict—punishment is framed as protection of dharma.