Shloka 4.46.10

पृथिवीमण्डलपरिज्ञानम् — Sugriva on Surveying the Earth’s Regions

Devanagari script

आजगाम ततो वाली हत्वा तं दानवर्षभम्।ततोऽहमददां राज्यं गौरवाद्भययन्त्रितः।।4.46.10।।

Transliteration

ājagāma tato vālī hatvā taṃ dānavarṣabham |

tato 'ham adadāṃ rājyaṃ gauravād bhayayantritaḥ || 4.46.10 ||

Translation

Then Vālī returned after slaying that bull among the demons; and I yielded the kingdom back to him—compelled by fear and restrained by reverence for him.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Vālī
• Dānavarṣabha (a mighty demon; unnamed here)
• Kingdom (rājya)

FAQs

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

It highlights the moral tension between rightful conduct and coercion: Sugrīva’s action is shaped by fear and social power, showing how adharma can arise when authority is unchecked and truth cannot be spoken freely.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva recounts events from his conflict with Vālī, explaining how he ended up losing the kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s candor (satya) in admitting fear and constraint, rather than presenting himself as heroic.