Shloka 4.5.23

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

Devanagari script

सोऽहं त्रस्तो वने भीतो वसाम्युद्भ्रान्तचेतनः4.5.23।।वालिना निकृतो भ्रात्रा कृतवैरश्च राघव।

Transliteration

so 'haṃ trasto vane bhīto vasāmy udbhrāntacetanaḥ | vālinā nikṛto bhrātrā kṛtavairaś ca rāghava ||4.5.23||

Translation

So I dwell in the forest, terrified, my mind unsteady—wronged by my brother Vālin—and driven into enmity, O Rāghava.

Context

'O Rama! humiliated by my brother Vali, I have developed enmity with him. Terribly distraught and disturbed I live in this forest in great fear.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Vālin
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Recognition of adharma within kinship: the verse frames wrongdoing by a brother as morally destabilizing and calls for restoration of righteous order.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva details the fear and mental turmoil caused by Vālin’s actions, explaining why he is living in hiding.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and restraint: Sugrīva portrays enmity as compelled by injustice, not chosen lightly.