Shloka 4.43.6

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

Devanagari script

कृतं हि प्रियमस्माकं राघवेण महात्मना।तस्य चेत्प्रतिकारोऽस्ति सफलं जीवितं भवेत्।।।।

Transliteration

arthinaḥ kāryanirvṛttim akartur api yaś caret | tasya syāt saphalaṃ janma kiṃ punaḥ pūrvakāriṇaḥ ||

Translation

Even if one fulfills the task of a supplicant who has never helped before, that person’s birth becomes fruitful—how much more so when one repays a benefactor who first bestowed kindness.

Context

'High-souled Rama has done a great service to us earlier. We will be blessed if we aresuccessful in helping Rama in return.

FAQs

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

Service to others is dharma even without prior obligation; repaying a benefactor is an even higher standard of righteous reciprocity.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva strengthens the moral case for the mission: searching for Sītā is not merely strategy, but repayment for Rāma’s earlier assistance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nobility of conduct—helpfulness beyond self-interest, and loyalty toward those who have helped.