Shloka 4.22.16

वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge

Devanagari script

इमां च मालामाधत्स्व दिव्यां सुग्रीव काञ्चनीम्।उदारा श्रीस्थिता ह्यास्यां सम्प्रजह्यान्मृते मयि।।

Transliteration

imāṃ ca mālām ādhatsva divyāṃ sugrīva kāñcanīm | udārā śrī-sthitā hy asyāṃ samprajahyān mṛte mayi ||

Translation

And you, Sugrīva, put on this divine golden garland. Great splendour abides in it; when I am dead, that splendour will depart from me.

Context

'O Sugriva! put on this divine golden necklace. It has great brilliance. Its present lustre may be gone when I am dead.'

Characters & Entities

• Vali
• Sugriva
• golden garland/necklace (kāñcanī mālā)

FAQs

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

Dharma is orderly transfer of authority and responsibility: Vali prepares Sugriva to assume kingship without chaos, symbolized by the royal ornament.

What is the narrative situation?

Vali, near death, hands over a divine golden garland to Sugriva, marking acceptance of succession and reconciliation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Detachment and foresight: Vali acknowledges mortality and ensures continuity of rule.