Shloka 4.22.28
वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge
येन दत्तं महद्युद्धं गन्धर्वस्य महात्मनः।।गोलभस्य महाबाहोर्दशवर्षाणि पञ्च च।नैव रात्रौ न दिवसे तद्युद्धमुपशाम्यति।।
yena dattaṃ mahad yuddhaṃ gandharvasya mahātmanaḥ | golabhasya mahābāhor daśa-varṣāṇi pañca ca | naiva rātrau na divase tad yuddham upaśāmyati ||
He who waged a great war with the noble Gandharva Golabha, the mighty-armed, for fifteen years—without that battle ever ceasing, by night or by day!
'Great soul, Vali endowed with stout shoulders joined a duel with a gandharva called Golabha for fifteen years non-stop night and day.
The verse recalls heroic endurance, but the ethical undertone is discernment: greatness in battle does not make one beyond accountability. Dharma evaluates not only strength, but the right use of strength.
The mourners cite Vāli’s legendary, long-lasting duel with the Gandharva Golabha as evidence of his unmatched prowess.
Dhairya (endurance) and śaurya (valor) are emphasized through the image of an unceasing struggle lasting fifteen years.