Shloka 4.40.14

पूर्वदिशि सीतामार्गण-नियोगः (Deployment to the Eastern Quarter for the Search of Sita)

Devanagari script

त्वमेवाऽज्ञापय विभो मम कार्यविनिश्चयम्।त्वं हि जानासि यत्कार्यं मम वीर न संशयः।।4.40.14।।

Transliteration

nāham asmin prabhuḥ kārye vānar-eśa na lakṣmaṇaḥ | tvam asya hetuḥ kāryasya prabhuś ca plavaga-īśvara || 4.40.13 ||

Translation

O king of the Vānaras, neither I nor Lakṣmaṇa should command in this undertaking; you are the cause of this work and its rightful lord, O ruler of the monkeys.

Context

'O king! you have understood the task to be performed and, therefore, issue orders without the least hesitation.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• Vānara forces

FAQs

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

Dharma includes respecting rightful jurisdiction: Rāma acknowledges Sugrīva’s legitimate authority over the Vānara host, showing that righteous goals should be pursued through proper leadership structures.

What is the narrative situation?

As preparations for searching Sītā advance, Rāma clarifies that command over the monkey forces belongs to Sugrīva, not to Rāma or Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and political wisdom—Rāma does not overstep authority and instead empowers the appropriate leader.