Shloka 4.53.3

स्वयम्प्रभा-विमोचनम् — Svayamprabha Leads the Vanaras Out (Time-Limit Crisis and Counsel)

Devanagari script

सा त्वमस्माद्बिलाद्घोरादुत्तारयितुमर्हसि।।4.53.3।।तस्मात्सुग्रीववचनादतिक्रान्तान्गतायुषः।

Transliteration

dhruvaṃ no hiṃsitā rājā sarvān pratigatān itaḥ |

vadhena apratirūpeṇa śreyān mṛtyur ihaiva naḥ ||

Translation

Surely, when we return from here, the king will torment all of us, sentencing us to death in a dreadful and exceptional way; better for us is death here itself.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva (implied as rājā)

FAQs

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

A mission accepted from a rightful leader carries consequences; the verse reflects how fear of punishment can distort judgment and push one toward self-destruction rather than truthful return and accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

After failing to find Sītā, the vānaras anticipate harsh punishment from Sugrīva if they return, and some consider death preferable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negative example highlighting loss of courage; it indirectly calls for steadiness and truthful reporting despite fear.