Shloka 4.25.5

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

Devanagari script

न कर्ता कस्यचित्कश्चिन्नियोगे चापिनेश्वरः।स्वभावे वर्तते लोकस्तस्य कालः परायणम्4.25.5।।

Transliteration

na kartā kasyacit kaścin niyoge cāpi neśvaraḥ |

svabhāve vartate lokas tasya kālaḥ parāyaṇam || 4.25.5 ||

Translation

No one is truly the maker of another’s deeds—nor even the Lord, in the sense of imposing control; the world moves according to its own nature, and Time is its final resort and determining power.

Context

'No one can control another's action. No one including God can be the agent of action. No one has the power to entrust duty to others. This entire world is governed by one's own nature. Nature in turn is governed by Time (fate).

Characters & Entities

• īśvara (Lord/God)
• kāla (Time)
• svabhāva (nature)
• loka (world)

FAQs

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

The verse teaches restraint in blame and anger: events unfold through svabhāva (nature) under kāla (time), so one should respond with composure and right action rather than vengeance.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of Vāli’s death, a philosophical reflection is voiced to frame the tragedy in terms of nature and time, tempering emotional reactions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Forbearance and clarity—seeing beyond personal grievance to the larger order of time and nature.