Shloka 4.22.17

वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge

Devanagari script

इत्येवमुक्तस्सुग्रीवो वालिना भ्रातृसौहृदात्।हर्षं त्यक्त्वा पुनर्दीनो ग्रहग्रस्त इवोडुराट्।।

Transliteration

ity evam uktaḥ sugrīvo vālinā bhrātṛ-sauhṛdāt | harṣaṃ tyaktvā punar dīno graha-grasta ivodurāṭ ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Vāli in brotherly affection, Sugrīva let go of his joy and again became downcast—like the moon eclipsed by a planet.

Context

Thus spoken to by Vali with brotherly affection, Sugriva gave up joy (of victory) and appeared dull like the Moon eclipsed by planet Rahu.

Characters & Entities

• Vali
• Sugriva
• moon (uḍurāṭ)
• eclipsing planet (graha; traditional imagery often evokes Rāhu)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes emotional sobriety in moments of power: victory should not erase compassion or responsibility toward family and the dying.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vali’s affectionate counsel, Sugriva’s triumphant mood collapses into sorrow as he confronts the gravity of Vali’s impending death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and remorse—Sugriva’s joy yields to humane awareness of loss.