Shloka 4.5.22
मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा (Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship)
अहं विनिकृतो राम चरामीह भयार्दितः4.5.22।।हृतभार्यो वने त्रस्तो दुर्गमेतदुपाश्रितः।
ahaṃ vinikṛto rāma carāmīha bhayārditaḥ | hṛtabhāryo vane trasto durgam etad upāśritaḥ ||4.5.22||
‘O Rāma, I have been grievously wronged; driven by fear I wander here—my wife taken from me—frightened in the forest, having sought refuge in this hard-to-reach place.’
'O Rama, I have been insulted deeply and my wife hijacked. Stricken with fear I have taken refuge in this inaccessible forest.
Satya in self-disclosure and appeal for protection: Sugrīva speaks truthfully about injustice, grounding his request in a moral claim for refuge and safety.
Sugrīva explains to Rāma his suffering—humiliation, loss of his wife, and life in fear—setting the basis for seeking Rāma’s help.
Sugrīva’s candor and vulnerability—he admits fear and seeks rightful protection rather than revenge alone.