Shloka 4.18.51

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

Devanagari script

न त्वात्मानमहं शोचे न तारां न च बान्धवान्।यथा पुत्रं गुणज्येष्ठमङ्गदं कनकाङ्गदम् ।।

Transliteration

na tv ātmānam ahaṃ śoce na tārāṃ na ca bāndhavān | yathā putraṃ guṇajyeṣṭham aṅgadaṃ kanakāṅgadam ||

Translation

I do not grieve for myself, nor for Tara, nor even for my kinsmen; I grieve most for my son Angada—foremost in virtue, adorned with golden armlets.

Context

'I neither grieve for myself nor for Tara nor for my kinsmen. But I do for my son Angada adorned with golden armlets. He is embellished with all virtues.

Characters & Entities

• Tara
• Angada
• Vali

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as responsibility toward dependents: a parent’s foremost concern is the welfare and protection of the child, especially amid political transition.

What is the narrative situation?

Vali, dying, shifts from personal fate to concern for Angada’s future, signaling the urgent need for protection and rightful guidance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Paternal care and foresight—Vali’s anxiety is centered on the vulnerable heir’s wellbeing.