Shloka 4.5.13

मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा (Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship)

Devanagari script

एतत्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा सुग्रीवेण सुभाषितम्।सम्प्रहृष्टमना हस्तं पीडयामास पाणिना4.5.13।।हृद्यं सौहृदमालम्ब्यपर्यष्वजत पीडितम्।

Transliteration

rocate yadi vā sakhyaṁ bāhur eṣa prasāritaḥ |

gṛhyatāṁ pāṇinā pāṇir maryādā badhyatāṁ dhruvā || 4.5.12 ||

Translation

If this friendship pleases you, here is my arm extended—take my hand in yours, and let a firm bond of proper conduct be established between us.

Context

Rama became very happy to hear Sugriva's warm words and pressed his hand with his. Delighted, he went close to Sugriva and hugged him tightly and affectionately.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is friendship regulated by maryādā—an alliance is not just emotion but a vow bounded by ethical restraint and reliability.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva formally offers friendship to Rāma through the gesture of extending his arm and inviting a handclasp that signifies commitment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Trustworthiness and respect for norms: Sugrīva seeks a ‘dhruvā maryādā’—a stable, principled bond rather than a temporary pact.