Shloka 4.18.67

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

Devanagari script

स तस्य वाक्यं मधुरं महात्मनस्समाहितं धर्मपथानुवर्तिनः।निशम्य रामस्य रणावमर्दिनोवचस्सुयुक्तं निजगाद वानरः।।

Transliteration

sa tasya vākyaṃ madhuraṃ mahātmanaḥ samāhitaṃ dharmapathānuvartinaḥ | niśamya rāmasya raṇāvamardinaḥ vacaḥ suyuktaṃ nijagāda vānaraḥ ||

Translation

Hearing the sweet, well-composed words of great-souled Rāma—who follows the path of dharma and crushes foes in battle—the monkey (Vāli) replied with fitting and appropriate speech.

Context

Having listened to the sweet, well-composed words of great Rama, a crusher of the enemy in war ,follower of righteous path, Vali replied in appropriate manner:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma is reflected in disciplined, appropriate speech: even amid conflict, words should be measured (samāhita) and fitting (suyukta), responding to righteousness rather than anger.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma speaks to the wounded Vāli, the narration notes that Vāli, having listened, responds in a manner suited to the moment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s virtue as a dharma-follower (dharmapathānuvartin) is foregrounded, and Vāli’s shift toward propriety in speech is also indicated.