Shloka 4.31.4

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

Devanagari script

न धारये कोपमुदीर्णवेगंनिहन्मि सुग्रीवमसत्यमद्य।हरिप्रवीरैस्सह वालिपुत्रोनरेन्द्रपत्न्या विचयं करोतु।।

Transliteration

na dhārayē kōpam udīrṇa-vēgaṃ nihanmi sugrīvam asatyam adya | haripravīraiḥ saha vāliputro narēndrapatnyā vicayaṃ karotu ||

Translation

I cannot restrain my anger, now surging with irresistible force. Today I shall kill that untruthful Sugrīva. Let Vāli’s son, together with the foremost of the monkeys, undertake the search for the king’s consort, Sītā.

Context

'I cannot hold my overflowing anger. I shall kill this untruthful Sugriva. Let Vali's son along with the foremost of monkeys search for the queen (Sita).'

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• Aṅgada (Vāliputra)
• Sītā (narendrapatnī)
• monkey chiefs (haripravīrāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is framed as fidelity to one’s pledged duty and truthfulness: breaking a promise (asatya) invites moral and political consequences. The verse also warns that righteous aims can be endangered when anger is not restrained.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sugrīva delays the promised search for Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa’s patience breaks; he resolves to punish Sugrīva and proposes that Aṅgada and the leading monkeys continue the search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to truth and accountability in leadership is emphasized (Satya and rājadharma), alongside Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty—though tempered by the cautionary presence of uncontrolled anger.