Shloka 4.5.9

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

Devanagari script

श्रुत्वा हनुमतो वाक्यं सुग्रीवो हृष्टमानसः।भयं चराघवाद्घोरं प्रजहौ विगतज्वरः।।4.5.8।।सकृत्वा मानुषं रूपं सुग्रीवः प्लवगर्षभः।दर्शनीयतमो भूत्वा प्रीत्या प्रोवाच राघवम्4.5.9।।

Transliteration

sakṛtvā mānuṣaṁ rūpaṁ sugrīvaḥ plavagarṣabhaḥ |

darśanīyatamo bhūtvā prītyā provāca rāghavam ||4.5.9||

Translation

Assuming a human form, Sugrīva—the foremost among the monkeys—became most pleasing to behold and, with affection, spoke to Rāghava (Rāma).

Context

Hanuman's words took away Sugriva's great fear for Rama and filled him with cheer. This bull among monkeys gave up his natural appearance and and assuming an attractive human form spoke to Rama lovingly:

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• Raghava (Rama)

FAQs

Why does Sugriva assume a human form before speaking to Rama?

To communicate respectfully and clearly in a form suitable for formal alliance-making; it reflects maryādā (propriety) and a dhārmic approach to dialogue.

What dharmic value is highlighted in Sugriva speaking with prīti (affection)?

It emphasizes that righteous relationships and truthful alliances are strengthened by goodwill—speech grounded in prīti supports satya (sincere intent) and dharma (right conduct).