Shloka 4.22.30

वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge

Devanagari script

ततस्तु षोडशे वर्षे गोलभो विनिपातितः।हत्वा तं दुर्विनीतं तु वाली दंष्ट्राकरालवान्।।सर्वाऽभयङ्करोऽस्माकं कथमेष निपातितः।

Transliteration

tatas tu ṣoḍaśe varṣe golabho vinipātitaḥ | hatvā taṃ durvinītaṃ tu vālī daṃṣṭrā-karālavān || sarvābhayaṅkaro ’smākaṃ katham eṣa nipātitaḥ |

Translation

Then, in the sixteenth year, Golabha was struck down. Vāli—terrible with his fangs—killed that unruly foe and became a giver of safety to us all. How, then, has such a one been felled?

Context

'In the sixteenth year Golabha, the uncontrollable enemy was killed by Vali with his dreadful fangs and rendered protection to everybody. How did he get killed?'

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Golabha

FAQs

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

The verse reflects on the protector’s duty and the people’s dependence: a ruler who creates fearlessness carries a heavy Dharma-burden, and his removal destabilizes society—prompting reflection on just succession and communal responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

The mourners recall a famous victory of Vāli over Golabha and express disbelief that such a protector could be slain.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rakṣaṇa (protective guardianship) is highlighted—Vāli is remembered as one who made others fearless.