Shloka 4.22.9

वालिविलापः — Vali’s Final Counsel and the Succession Charge

Devanagari script

मम प्राणैः प्रियतरं पुत्रं पुत्रमिवौरसम्।मया हीनमहीनार्थं पर्वतः परिपालय।।

Transliteration

mama prāṇaiḥ priyataraṃ putraṃ putram iva aurasaṃ | mayā hīnam ahīnārthaṃ parvataḥ paripālaya ||

Translation

He is dearer to me than my very life; guard my son as you would your own true-born son. Now bereft of me, O Parvata (Sugrīva), protect him so that he lacks nothing.

Context

'He is dearer to me than my life. Take care of him like your own son. He is separated from me. Take care of him in all respects, so that he is not deprived of anything.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva (Parvata)
• Aṅgada

FAQs

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

Guardian-dharma: the new ruler/uncle must protect the heir and ensure his welfare without deprivation.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli entrusts Aṅgada to Sugrīva, asking him to treat the boy as his own son after Vāli’s death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective responsibility and fairness—ensuring the vulnerable heir is not marginalized after succession.