Shloka 4.18.20

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

Devanagari script

तद्व्यतीतस्य ते धर्मात्कामवृत्तस्य वानर।भ्रातृभार्यावमर्शेऽस्मिन्दण्डोऽयं प्रतिपादितः।।

Transliteration

tad vyatītasya te dharmāt kāma-vṛttasya vānara | bhrātṛ-bhāryā-vamarśe 'smin daṇḍo 'yaṁ pratipāditaḥ ||

Translation

Therefore, O monkey—since you have transgressed dharma and acted from lust in violating your brother’s wife—this punishment has been duly applied.

Context

'O monkey! since you have violated morality by sinning against your brother's wife this punishment is justified.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali
• Sugriva
• Ruma

FAQs

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

When dharma is violated—especially in protected family relations—rāja-dharma authorizes daṇḍa (punishment) to restore moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama concludes the justification: Vali’s transgression regarding Sugriva’s wife warrants the penalty already inflicted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Impartial enforcement of moral law—punishment is presented as principled, not personal.