Shloka 4.8.1

मैत्रीप्रतिज्ञा-वैरकारणप्रश्नः (Friendship Vow and Inquiry into the Cause of Enmity)

Devanagari script

परितुष्टस्तु सुग्रीवस्तेन वाक्येन वानरः।लक्ष्मणस्याग्रतो राममिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।

Transliteration

parituṣṭas tu sugrīvas tena vākyena vānaraḥ | lakṣmaṇasyāgrato rāmam idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Pleased by those words, Sugrīva, lord of the Vānaras, spoke thus to Rāma in Lakṣmaṇa’s presence.

Context

Sugriva, the monkey was very pleased with Rama's words and said to him in front of Lakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma of transparent speech in alliances: important commitments are stated openly before witnesses (Lakṣmaṇa), strengthening truth and accountability.

What is the narrative situation?

A transition verse introducing Sugrīva’s response to Rāma, explicitly set in Lakṣmaṇa’s presence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful protocol and accountability—speaking formally in the presence of a principal witness.