Shloka 4.18.36

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

Devanagari script

तदलं परितापेन धर्मतः परिकल्पितः।वधो वानरशार्दूल न वयं स्ववशे स्थिता:।।।।

Transliteration

tad alaṃ paritāpena dharmataḥ parikalpitaḥ | vadho vānaraśārdūla na vayaṃ svavaśe sthitāḥ ||

Translation

Therefore, enough of grief: your death has been ordained in accordance with dharma, O tiger among monkeys. We are not acting by mere personal whim; we are bound by the rule of righteousness.

Context

'O tiger among monkeys! do not regret. Your death has the sanction of dharma. We are under the control of sastras. We are committed to them. We do not have the freedom to act independently.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali

FAQs

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

Dharma is depicted as a binding norm that constrains even powerful agents; rightful action is not arbitrary but governed by moral law.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama urges Vali to relinquish resentment and frames the outcome as dharma-sanctioned within the ethics of kingship and punishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty—acting within maryādā rather than from personal emotion.