Shloka 4.5.25
मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा (Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship)
एवमुक्तस्तु तेजस्वी धर्मज्ञो धर्मवत्सलः4.5.25।।प्रत्यभाषत काकुत्स्थ: सुग्रीवं प्रहसन्निव।
evam uktas tu tejasvī dharmajño dharmavatsalaḥ | pratyabhāṣata kākutsthaḥ sugrīvaṃ prahasann iva ||4.5.25||
Thus addressed, Kakutstha—radiant, discerning of dharma and devoted to dharma—replied to Sugrīva with a gentle, reassuring smile.
The righteous and glorious Rama to whom dharma is very dear said to Sugriva with a gentle smile on his face, when he was entreated thus:
Dharma-guided response: Rāma’s authority is framed as rooted in dharma—power tempered by moral knowledge and benevolence.
After Sugrīva’s plea for protection, the narration describes Rāma’s composed and compassionate manner as he begins to answer.
Rāma’s dharma-centered leadership: calm reassurance, moral discernment, and compassionate intent.