Shloka 4.25.29

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

Devanagari script

आज्ञापयत्तदा राजा सुग्रीव प्लवगेश्वरः।और्ध्वदैहिकमार्यस्य क्रियतामनुरूपतः।।4.25.29।।

Transliteration

ājñāpayat tadā rājā sugrīvaḥ plavageśvaraḥ |

aurdhvadehikam āryasya kriyatām anurūpataḥ || 4.25.29 ||

Translation

Then King Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, commanded: “Let the proper funeral rites for the noble one be performed in a manner befitting him.”

Context

King Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, said, 'Let the funeral rites of my noble sire be performed in a fitting manner'.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli (implied as ‘ārya’ here)
• aurdhvadehika (funeral rites)
• Vānara hosts

FAQs

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

Dharma as kingly responsibility: ensuring timely and appropriate last rites, maintaining social and ritual order even amid personal grief.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva directs the community to carry out Vāli’s funeral rites properly after Vāli’s death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Leadership with propriety (maryādā): Sugriva acts decisively to uphold ritual duty and public decorum.