Shloka 4.38.18

उद्योगप्रवर्तनम् (Mobilization and Counsel on Kingship)

Devanagari script

पादयोः पतितं मूर्ध्ना तमुत्थाप्य हरीश्वरम्।।4.38.18।।प्रेम्णा च बहुमानाच्च राघवः परिषस्वजे।

Transliteration

pādayoḥ patitaṃ mūrdhnā tam utthāpya harīśvaram | premṇā ca bahumānāc ca rāghavaḥ pariṣasvaje ||

Translation

When Sugrīva, lord of the vānaras, bowed at his feet with head lowered, Rāghava lifted him up and embraced him with affection and high regard.

Context

Sugriva touched Rama's feet, bending his head down, and Rama lifted him up and embraced him with love and great regard.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Sugrīva (Harīśvara)

FAQs

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

Dharma is mutual honor in righteous friendship: Sugrīva shows reverence, and Rāma responds with compassionate equality—lifting him and embracing him—strengthening a truthful alliance.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva bows at Rāma’s feet; Rāma raises him and embraces him warmly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion and nobility—he converts a hierarchical gesture into affectionate solidarity.