Shloka 4.5.19
मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा (Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship)
ततस्सुपर्णबहुलां छित्वा शाखां सुपुष्पिताम्4.5.19।।सालस्यास्तीर्य सुग्रीवो निषसाद सराघवः।
tvaṁ vayasyō ’si me hṛdyo hy ekaṁ duḥkhaṁ sukhaṁ ca nau || 4.5.18 ||
sugrīvo rāghavaṁ vākyam ity uvāca prahṛṣṭavat |
“You are my dear friend; for us both, sorrow and joy are one and the same.” Thus Sugrīva spoke to Rāghava, exultant with happiness.
Then Sugriva cut the branch of a sala tree with luxuriant leaves and flowers, spread it on the ground and sat down along with Raghava.
Dharma is shared responsibility: true friendship means adopting the other’s welfare as one’s own—unity in both hardship and happiness.
Immediately after formalizing friendship, Sugrīva verbally declares the unity of their fortunes, reinforcing the oath with explicit commitment.
Loyalty (sauhṛda) and solidarity: Sugrīva pledges emotional and practical alignment with Rāma’s cause.