Shloka 4.5.24

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

Devanagari script

वालिनो मे महाभाग भयार्तस्याभयं कुरु4.5.24।।कर्तुमर्हसि काकुत्स्थ भयं मे न भवेद्यथा।

Transliteration

vālino me mahābhāga bhayārtasyābhayaṃ kuru | kartum arhasi kākutstha bhayaṃ me na bhaved yathā ||4.5.24||

Translation

O noble one, grant me safety, for I am tormented by fear of Vālin. O Kakutstha, act so that fear may no longer remain in me.

Context

'O reverend Kakutstha, I feel helpless with fear from Vali. Save me. You should release me free from fear.'

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Kakutstha)
• Vālin

FAQs

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

Duty to protect the fearful who seek refuge: Sugrīva’s plea invokes the dharma of the righteous ruler/hero to remove भय (fear) and establish सुरक्षा (safety).

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva formally requests Rāma’s protection from Vālin, seeking assurance before any alliance can be solidified.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s expected virtue of guardianship—being one who grants abhayadāna (fearlessness) to the afflicted.