Shloka 4.38.25

उद्योगप्रवर्तनम् (Mobilization and Counsel on Kingship)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु सुग्रीवो रामं वचनमब्रवीत्।।4.38.24।।प्रणष्टा श्रीश्च कीर्तिश्च कपिराज्यं च शाश्वतम्।त्वत्प्रसादान्महाबाहो पुनःप्राप्तमिदं मया।।4.38.25।।

Transliteration

tava deva prasādāc ca bhrātuś ca jayatāṃ vara | kṛtaṃ na pratikuryād yaḥ puruṣāṇāṃ sa dūṣakaḥ ||

Translation

O lord, best among the victorious: by your grace and by your brother’s, my work has been accomplished. Whoever does not repay a good deed is blameworthy among men.

Context

On hearing this, Sugriva said to Rama,'O longarmed one the fortune, fame and soverignty of vanaras which was lost has been regained only by your grace.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana (Rama’s brother, implied by bhrātuḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma is kṛtajñatā—repaying assistance and honoring obligations. Ingratitude is presented as a moral failing that degrades a person’s character.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva assures Rama that he understands the moral necessity of returning Rama’s help by actively aiding in the search for Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity in friendship—Sugriva frames repayment of help as an ethical duty, not merely political convenience.