Shloka 4.29.21

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

Devanagari script

अकर्तुरपि कार्यस्य भवान्कर्ता हरीश्वरकिं पुनः प्रतिकर्तुस्ते राज्येन च धनेन च।।

Transliteration

akartur api kāryasya bhavān kartā harīśvara |

kiṃ punaḥ pratikartus te rājyena ca dhanena ca ||

Translation

O lord of the monkeys, you would help even one who has not helped you; how much more, then, should you repay—with kingdom and wealth now secured—the one who acted for your sake.

Context

'O lord of monkeys! help even a person who has not helped you. As such, do you need to be told that you should help one, with whose help you have earned wealth and kingdom?

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Sugriva
• Rama

FAQs

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

Repaying help received is dharma. Gratitude and reciprocity are moral obligations, especially when one’s own prosperity (kingdom, wealth) was gained through another’s aid.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman reminds Sugriva that Rama’s help restored Sugriva’s fortunes; therefore Sugriva must now act in return by assisting Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtajñatā (gratitude) and loyalty to alliances—honoring benefits received with faithful action.