Shloka 4.29.15

हनूमता सुग्रीवस्य कालधर्मोपदेशः — Hanuman’s Counsel on Timely Ally-Duty

Devanagari script

यदिदं मित्रकार्यं वीर नोमित्रकार्यमरिन्दम ।।क्रियतां राघवस्यैतद्वैदेह्याः परिमार्गणम्।तदिदं वीर कार्यं ते कालातीतमरिन्दम ।।

Transliteration

yad idaṃ mitrakāryaṃ vīra no mitrakāryam arindama |

kriyatāṃ rāghavasyaitad vaidehyāḥ parimārgaṇam |

tad idaṃ vīra kāryaṃ te kālātītam arindama ||

Translation

O hero, subduer of foes: this is our ally’s work. Let Rāghava’s task be done—let Vaidehī be sought. O crusher of enemies, this duty of yours is already overdue.

Context

'O subduer of enemies! we should do the brave deed of finding Vaidehi for the sake of your friend. O crusher of enemies! this is your duty at present and it is already delayed.

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Rama (Rāghava)
• Sita (Vaidehī)
• search (parimārgaṇa)

FAQs

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

Mitra-dharma demands action, not words: the ally’s urgent need (searching for Sita) must be treated as one’s own duty, especially when delay has already occurred.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva is commanded to begin the organized search for Sita, fulfilling the alliance with Rama after enjoying the fruits of Rama’s help.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability in friendship—courage and promptness in repaying an ally’s assistance.