Shloka 4.4.24

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

Devanagari script

शोकाभिभूते रामे तु शोकार्ते शरणं गते।कर्तुमर्हति सुग्रीवः प्रसादं हरियूधपः।।

Transliteration

śokābhibhūte rāme tu śokārte śaraṇaṃ gate |

kartum arhati sugrīvaḥ prasādaṃ hariyūdhapaḥ ||

Translation

When Rama, overcome and afflicted by grief, has come seeking refuge, Sugriva, commander of the monkey hosts, ought to grant him favor and help.

Context

'Sugriva, lord of monkeys, ought to help Rama who tormented by, and overwhelmed with, grief seeks his favour.'

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sugriva
• Monkey host (hari-yūdha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is compassionate response to śaraṇāgati: one who seeks refuge in grief should be protected and assisted.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman presses the moral conclusion of his appeal: Sugriva should extend help to the sorrowing Rama who has approached for shelter.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassion and responsibility in leadership—Sugriva’s duty as hariyūdhapa to act benevolently toward a righteous suppliant.