Shloka 4.36.3

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

Devanagari script

ततः कण्ठगतं माल्यं चित्रं बहुगुणं महत्।चिच्छेद विमदश्चासीत्सुग्रीवो वानरेश्वरः।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kaṇṭhagataṃ mālyaṃ citraṃ bahuguṇaṃ mahat |

ciccheda vimadaś cāsīt sugrīvo vānarēśvaraḥ ||

Translation

Then Sugrīva, lord of the Vānaras, tore off the great, many-valued, colorful garland from his neck—and he became free from intoxication.

Context

Thereupon Sugriva, relieved from his drunken state tore off the great, colourful valuable garland worn on his neck.

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Vānara (monkey host)

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership requires self-mastery: casting off the garland and becoming sober symbolizes abandoning indulgence and returning to responsible duty.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of Lakshmana’s stern arrival, Sugriva shifts from revelry to seriousness, physically removing the garland as a sign of changing his state and intent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint and readiness to act: Sugriva’s movement away from intoxication signals renewed discipline.