Shloka 4.43.13

सुग्रीवस्य शतवलि-प्रेषणम् (Sugriva’s Commission to Satavali for the Northern Search)

Devanagari script

तत्र म्लेच्छान्पुलिन्दांश्च शूरसेनांस्तथैव च।प्रस्थलान्भरतांश्चैव कुरूंश्च सह मद्रकैः।।4.43.11।।काम्बोजान्यवनां श्चैव शकानारट्टकानपि।बाह्लीकानृषिकां श्चैव पौरवानथ टङ्कणान्।।4.43.12।।चीनान्परमचीनांश्च नीहारांश्च पुनः पुनः।अन्विष्यदरदांश्चैव हिमवन्तं तथैव च।।4.43.13।।

Transliteration

uvāca rājā dharmajñaḥ sarva-vānara-sattamam |

vākyam ātma-hitaṃ caiva rāmasya ca hitaṃ tathā ||4.43.2||

Translation

King Sugrīva, a knower of dharma, addressed the foremost of the vānaras with words meant for his own welfare and equally for Rāma’s good.

Context

'Search in the countries of Mlechas, Pulindas, Surasenas, Prasthalas, Bharatas, Madrakas, Kurus, Kambojas and even Yavanas, Shakas, Rattakas, Bahlikas, Rishikas, Pauravas, Tankanas, Cheenas, Paramacheenas, Niharas, Daradas and in the Himalaya mountains again and again in order to find her.

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma here is leadership aligned with righteousness: a king speaks and plans not merely for personal advantage but for the just cause of aiding Rāma.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva begins issuing mission-guidance to the vānaras for the search for Sītā, framing the counsel as beneficial both to himself and to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s prudence and dharma-minded leadership—he weighs actions by welfare, alliance-duty, and righteous purpose.