Shloka 4.8.11

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

Devanagari script

ततो रामं स्थितं दृष्ट्वा लक्ष्मणं च महाबलम्।सुग्रीवस्सर्वतश्चक्षुर्वने लोलमपातयत्।।

Transliteration

tato rāmaṃ sthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā lakṣmaṇaṃ ca mahābalam | sugrīvaḥ sarvataś cakṣur vane lolam apātayat ||

Translation

Then, seeing Rāma standing there with the mighty Lakṣmaṇa, Sugrīva cast his restless gaze all around the forest, scanning every side.

Context

With mighty Rama and Lakshmana standing by, Sugriva cast his eyes eagerly all round the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sugrīva
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Caution joined with discernment: Sugrīva’s restless scanning reflects a prudent, self-protective vigilance shaped by past harm, suggesting that Dharma also includes wise alertness in dangerous circumstances.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva has come near Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa; upon seeing them, he anxiously surveys the forest, still wary of threats (especially from Vālin).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (saṃśaya-janya-sāvadhānatā): Sugrīva’s careful watchfulness before speaking or trusting fully.