Shloka 4.36.17

किष्किन्धाकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — सुग्रीवस्य भय-त्यागः, कृतज्ञता, तथा लक्ष्मणेन सान्त्वन-प्रेरणा (Sugriva’s Reassurance and Lakshmana’s Counsel)

Devanagari script

दोषज्ञस्सति सामर्थ्ये कोऽन्यो भाषितुमर्हति।वर्जयित्वा मम ज्येष्ठं त्वां च वानरसत्तम।।।।

Transliteration

dharmajñasya kṛtajñasya saṅgrāmeṣv anivartinaḥ | upapannaṃ ca yuktaṃ ca sugrīva tava bhāṣitam ||

Translation

Sugrīva, since you know dharma, are grateful, and never retreat in battle, what you have said is both credible and fitting.

Context

'O best of monkeys! barring you and my elder brother, who else would be capable of speaking this way about themselves even when you are aware of other's faults?

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• Dharma (principle)

FAQs

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

Dharma is measured by consistent virtues—dharma-knowledge, gratitude, and steadfastness make one’s words trustworthy (satya-worthy).

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa validates Sugrīva’s statement by pointing to Sugrīva’s proven character.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtajñatā (gratitude) joined with courage—moral reliability demonstrated in both speech and action.