Shloka 4.52.18

स्वयंप्रभा-संवादः (Svayamprabha’s Dialogue with the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्ता तु धर्मज्ञैर्वानरैस्तैस्स्वयंप्रभा।।।।प्रत्युवाच ततस्सर्वानिदं वानरपुङ्गवान्।

Transliteration

evam uktā tu dharmajñair vānarais tais svayaṃprabhā | pratyuvāca tataḥ sarvān idaṃ vānarapuṅgavān ||

Translation

Thus addressed by those Vānara who knew dharma, Svayaṃprabhā then replied to all the foremost monkey-leaders in these words.

Context

To the leaders among the monkeys, knowers of dharma, who said this Svayamprabha replied:

Characters & Entities

• Svayaṃprabhā
• vānarāḥ
• vānarapuṅgavāḥ (monkey chiefs/leaders)

FAQs

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

The verse affirms the authority of dharma-aware interlocutors: those who recognize dharma invite dharma-aligned counsel, enabling truthful and righteous resolution.

What is the narrative situation?

The text transitions from the monkeys’ request to Svayaṃprabhā’s formal reply, marking the start of her response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for dharma and proper dialogue—seeking and giving counsel in a morally grounded manner.