Shloka 4.24.22

वालिवधोत्तरशोकः — Sugriva’s Remorse and Tara’s Lament after Vali’s Death

Devanagari script

सोऽहं प्रवेक्ष्याम्यतिदीप्तमग्निंभ्रात्रा च पुत्रेण च सख्यमिच्छन्।इमे विचेष्यन्ति हरिप्रवीरास्सीतां निदेशे तव वर्तमानाः।।

Transliteration

so ’haṁ pravekṣyāmy atidīptam agniṁ bhrātrā ca putreṇa ca sakhyam icchan |

ime viceṣyanti haripravīrāḥ sītāṁ nideśe tava vartamānāḥ ||

Translation

I, desiring to preserve friendship with my brother and my son, will enter the blazing fire. Meanwhile, these foremost Vānara leaders, acting under your command, will range about and search for Sītā.

Context

'I am a sinner. I desire to enter the blazing fire (for atonement) in order to maintain friendship with my brother and son. At your command these vanara leaders will goround and search for Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Sītā
• Vānara leaders (haripravīrāḥ)
• brother (Lakṣmaṇa implied by context of alliance)
• son (Aṅgada implied by context)

FAQs

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

Mitra-dharma and accountability: Sugrīva frames loyalty to an alliance and responsibility for promised action (searching for Sītā), even while expressing willingness for self-punishment.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli’s death, Sugrīva is overwhelmed by guilt and speaks to Rāma, proposing self-immolation while ensuring the search for Sītā proceeds under Rāma’s command.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A sense of responsibility and remorse—Sugrīva’s readiness to accept consequences while still safeguarding the pledged mission.