Shloka 4.55.3

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

Devanagari script

भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य यो भार्यां जीवतो महिषीं प्रियाम्।धर्मेण मातरं यस्तु स्वीकरोति जुगुप्सितः।।।।कथं स धर्मं जानीते येन भ्रात्रा महात्मना।युद्धायाभिनियुक्तेन बिलस्य पिहितं मुखम्।।।।

Transliteration

rāmasya vanavāsaṁ ca kṣayaṁ daśarathasya ca |

janasthāna-vadhaṁ caiva vadhaṁ caiva jaṭāyuṣaḥ |

haraṇaṁ caiva vaidehyā vāliṇaś ca vadhaṁ raṇe |

rāma-kopaṁ ca vadatāṁ harīṇāṁ bhayam āgatam ||

Translation

While they spoke again of Rāma’s exile, Daśaratha’s death, the destruction at Jana-sthāna, Jaṭāyu’s death, Sītā’s abduction, Vāli’s death in battle, and Rāma’s wrath, fear overtook the monkeys.

Context

'He usurped his elder brother's queen, while he was still alive. It is morally abominable since an elder brother's wife is like a mother. How can a person who blocks the entrance of a cave while his noble brother is engaged in fighting inside be treated as righteous?

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Dasaratha
• Janasthana
• Jatayu
• Sita (Vaidehi)
• Vali

FAQs

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

Dharma is tied to memory of truth-events (itihāsa): recalling Rāma’s deeds and losses intensifies the sense of duty and the fear of failing it.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse reiterates the monkeys’ fearful recollection, reflecting a repeated transmission in the Southern Recension.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s unwavering justice—his wrath is feared as the force that corrects adharma.