Shloka 4.25.18

वालिनः और्ध्वदैहिकम् — Vali’s Funeral Rites and the Consolation of the Bereaved

Devanagari script

सज्जीभवन्तु प्लवगाश्शिबिकावाहनोचिताः।समर्था बलिनश्चैव निर्हरिष्यन्ति वालिनम्।।4.25.18।।

Transliteration

sajjībhavantu plavagāḥ śibikā-vāhana-ucitāḥ |

samarthā balinaś caiva nirhariṣyanti vālinam || 4.25.18 ||

Translation

Let the Vānaras fit to carry the palanquin—able and strong—make themselves ready; they will bear Vāli away.

Context

'Let those who are strong and capable among the monkeys be ready to carry the dead body of Vali on a litter'.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras (plavagāḥ)
• Litter (śibikā)
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through coordinated community action: honoring the dead is not private alone, but a shared social obligation performed with discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa organizes the attendants to transport Vāli’s body for the final rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strength guided by duty: physical power is valued when used in service of righteous and respectful action.