Shloka 4.55.22

अङ्गदस्य प्रायोपवेशननिश्चयः (Angada’s Resolve to Fast unto Death)

Devanagari script

रामस्य वनवासं च क्षयं दशरथस्य च।।4.55.21।।जनस्थानवधं चैव वधं चैव जटायुषः।हरणं चैव वैदेह्या वालिनश्च वधं रणे।।4.55.22।।रामकोपं च वदतां हरीणां भयमागतम्।

Transliteration

mataṁ tad vāliputrasya vijñāya plavagarṣabhāḥ |

upaspṛśyodakaṁ tatra prāṅmukhāḥ samupāviśan |

dakṣiṇāgreṣu darbheṣu udaktīraṁ samāśritāḥ |

mumūrṣavo hariśreṣṭhā etat kṣamam iti sma ha ||

Translation

Knowing the resolve of Vāli’s son, the foremost monkeys—intent on dying—performed the water-sipping rite and sat facing east on darbha grass laid with its points to the south, assembled on the northern shore, affirming: “This is proper.”

Context

Overtaken by the fear of death, the monkeys kept talking about Rama's exile into the forest, Dasaratha's death, destruction of demons in Janasthana, the death of Jatayu, abduction of Sita, Vali's death and Rama's anger.

Characters & Entities

• Angada (Valiputra)
• Vali
• darbha grass
• udaktīra (northern shore)

FAQs

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

Ritual form is used to frame a moral crisis; dharma is portrayed as not merely intention but also disciplined conduct—yet the narrative tension remains about choosing death over duty.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse repeats the description of the monkeys’ ritual seating for the fast, a feature consistent with some Southern Recension transmissions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and unanimity in decision.