Shloka 4.32.4

किष्किन्धाकाण्डे द्वात्रिंशः सर्गः — Lakshmana’s Anger Reported; Hanuman Advises Propitiation and Timely Mobilization

Devanagari script

असुहृद्भिर्ममामित्रैर्नित्यमन्तरदर्शिभिः।मम दोषानसम्भूतान् श्रावितो राघवानुजः।।

Transliteration

sarvathā sukaraṃ mitraṃ duṣkaraṃ paripālanam | anityatvāc ca cittānāṃ prītir alpe 'pi bhidyate ||

Translation

To win a friend is always easy, but to preserve friendship is hard; for minds are fickle, and affection can break even over something trivial.

Context

'Some enemies, who are always searching for imaginary faults of mine might have poisoned Lakshmana's ears.

Characters & Entities

• friendship (mitra, prīti)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires active maintenance of relationships—loyalty is sustained by care, not merely formed by initial goodwill.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva recognizes that the alliance with Rāma is fragile if neglected, and that small lapses can cause major rifts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Foresight and relational responsibility—understanding how easily trust can fracture.