Shloka 4.22.15

वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge

Devanagari script

राघवस्य च ते कार्यं कर्तव्यमविशङ्कया।स्यादधर्मो ह्यकरणे त्वां च हिंस्याद्विमानितः।।

Transliteration

rāghavasya ca te kāryaṃ kartavyam aviśaṅkayā | syād adharmo hy akaraṇe tvāṃ ca hiṃsyād vimānitaḥ ||

Translation

You must carry out Rāghava’s task without hesitation. If you fail to do it, it will become adharma—and when dishonoured, he may even turn against you and harm you.

Context

'You ought to carry out Rama's work without hesitation. If you do not, it will be unrighteous and harmful.

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Raghava)
• Vali
• Sugriva

FAQs

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

Dharma here is faithful execution of one’s pledged duty—once an obligation to Rāma is accepted, hesitation or neglect becomes adharma (a moral failure).

What is the narrative situation?

Mortally wounded, Vali advises Sugriva on political and ethical conduct, emphasizing that Sugriva must fulfill Rāma’s mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in duty (kartavya-niṣṭhā) and loyalty to a righteous alliance, carried out without wavering.