Shloka 4.30.71

शरत्प्रवेशे रामविलापः तथा सुग्रीवप्रमादे लक्ष्मणप्रेषणम् (Autumn’s Onset: Rama’s Lament and Lakshmana Sent to Sugriva)

Devanagari script

अर्थिनामुपपन्नानां पूर्वं चाप्युपकारिणाम्।आशां संश्रुत्य यो हन्ति स लोके पुरुषाधमः।।

Transliteration

arthinām upapannānāṃ pūrvaṃ cāpy upakāriṇām |

āśāṃ saṃśrutya yo hanti sa loke puruṣādhamaḥ ||

Translation

He who, after giving hope by a pledged assurance to one who seeks help—especially to a former benefactor—then destroys that hope, is the lowest of men in this world.

Context

'He who, having promised to his friend to grant his desire and who, having been obliged, fails to implement the promise, is the lowest on earth.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sugriva (implied as the promise-breaker)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires honoring assurances given to those who seek refuge or help—especially to prior benefactors; breaking such pledged hope is adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana, distressed by delay in searching for Sita, condemns the moral baseness of breaking a promised commitment (aimed at Sugriva’s inaction).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and gratitude—standing by one’s pledged word to those who have helped you.