Shloka 4.18.47

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

Devanagari script

प्रतिवक्तुं प्रकृष्टे हि नापकृष्टस्तु शक्नुयात्4.18.47।।यदयुक्तं मया पूर्वं प्रमादाद्वाक्यमप्रियम्।तत्रापि खलु मे दोषं कर्तुं नार्हसि राघव।

Transliteration

prativaktuṃ prakṛṣṭe hi nāpakṛṣṭas tu śaknuyāt | yad ayuktaṃ mayā pūrvaṃ pramādād vākyam apriyam | tatrāpi khalu me doṣaṃ kartuṃ nārhasi rāghava ||

Translation

Indeed, one who is inferior cannot properly answer back to one who is superior. If earlier, through heedlessness, I spoke improper and unpleasant words—even for that you should not hold it against me, O Rāghava.

Characters & Entities

• Vālī
• Rāma
• Rāghava
• dharma (implicit in moral apology)

FAQs

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

Accountability and repentance: improper speech arising from pramāda (heedlessness) should be acknowledged, and forgiveness sought rather than defended.

What is the narrative situation?

Having accepted Rāma’s position, Vālī reflects on his earlier harsh words and asks Rāma not to treat them as a lasting offense.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Contrition and humility—Vālī recognizes his lapse and requests forgiveness.