Shloka 4.18.34

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

Devanagari script

आर्येण मम मान्धात्रा व्यसनं घोरमीप्सितम्।श्रमणेन कृते पापे यथा पापं कृतं त्वया।।

Transliteration

āryeṇa mama māndhātrā vyasanaṃ ghoram īpsitam | śramaṇena kṛte pāpe yathā pāpaṃ kṛtaṃ tvayā ||

Translation

In my noble lineage, King Māndhātṛ once imposed a dreadful punishment when a śramaṇa committed a sin—just as you have committed a sin.

Context

'In the past a similar sin was perpetrated by Sramana, a revered soul (mendicant) and Mandhata, a noble king of my race inflicted terrible punishment on him.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali
• Māndhātṛ
• śramaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by precedent (itihāsa): even respected persons, when they transgress, are subject to rightful punishment.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama cites an illustrative historical example to show that punishment for wrongdoing has long-standing sanction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Impartial justice—status does not exempt one from dharma’s consequences.