Shloka 4.4.15

हनूमद्-दूत्यम् / Hanuman’s Mediation and Lakshmana’s Appeal to Sugriva

Devanagari script

दनुर्नाम दितेः पुत्रश्शापाद्राक्षसतां गतः।आख्यातस्तेन सुग्रीवस्समर्थो वानरर्षभः।।

Transliteration

danur nāma diteḥ putraḥ śāpād rākṣasatāṃ gataḥ | ākhyātas tena sugrīvaḥ samartho vānararṣabhaḥ ||

Translation

Danu, Diti’s son—driven into the state of a rākṣasa by a curse—declared that Sugrīva, the bull among the vānaras, would be capable of accomplishing this task.

Context

'Diti's son called Danu who had been cursed to live the life of a demon had said that Sugriva, the best among monkeys, would be able to locate her.

Characters & Entities

• Diti
• Danu
• Sugriva
• Rakshasa (state due to curse)

FAQs

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

Dharma is advanced through rightful alliance and capability: the narrative legitimizes seeking help from the competent (Sugrīva) to correct injustice (Sītā’s abduction).

What is the narrative situation?

A prior declaration/prophetic statement is cited: Danu (cursed into rākṣasa-state) indicated Sugrīva’s ability to help in the mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s competence and leadership (samarthatā), making him a fitting ally in a dharmic cause.