Shloka 4.31.22

लक्ष्मणक्रोधः सुग्रीवप्रबोधनं च (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Summoning of Sugriva)

Devanagari script

तारया सहितः कामी सक्तः कपिवृषो रहः।।न तेषां कपिवीराणां शुश्राव वचनं तदा।

Transliteration

tārayā sahitaḥ kāmī saktaḥ kapivṛṣo rahaḥ | na teṣāṃ kapivīrāṇāṃ śuśrāva vacanaṃ tadā ||

Translation

But Sugrīva—the bull among monkeys—secluded with Tārā and absorbed in passion, did not then heed the words of those monkey-heroes.

Context

But Sugriva who was engrossed in overtures with passionate Tara, did not heed the words of the monkey-chiefs.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Tārā
• Kapivīra (monkey heroes)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma requires vigilance and responsiveness; indulgence that blocks hearing counsel becomes adharma through negligence.

What is the narrative situation?

The messengers attempt to warn Sugrīva about Lakṣmaṇa’s angry arrival, but Sugrīva is privately absorbed with Tārā and ignores them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the verse highlights the lack of self-restraint in Sugrīva at this moment—showing how desire can eclipse duty.