Shloka 4.5.17
मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा (Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship)
ततस्सुप्रीतमनसौ तावुभौ हरिराघवौ4.5.17।।अन्योन्यमभिवीक्षन्तौ न तृप्तिमुपजग्मतुः।
tato ’gniṁ dīpyamānaṁ tau cakratuś ca pradakṣiṇam || 4.5.16 ||
sugrīvo rāghavaś caiva vayasyatvam upāgatau |
Then the two of them circumambulated the blazing fire, and Sugrīva and Rāghava entered into the bond of sworn friendship.
Rama and the monkey contented at heart, yet not fully content, continued looking at each other.
Dharma is covenantal loyalty: friendship becomes a vowed commitment witnessed by fire, binding both parties to truthful support and mutual obligation.
Rāma and Sugrīva perform pradakṣiṇā around Agni, a ritual act that seals their alliance.
Fidelity to promises: the verse highlights the transition from goodwill to formally established responsibility.