Shloka 4.8.13

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

Devanagari script

तस्यैकां पर्णबहुलां भङ्क्त्वा शाखां सुपुष्पिताम्।सालस्यास्तीर्य सुग्रीवो निषसाद सराघवः।।

Transliteration

tasyaitāṃ parṇa-bahulāṃ bhaṅktvā śākhāṃ supuṣpitām | sālasya āstīrya sugrīvo niṣasāda sa-rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

Breaking off a single flowering branch of that śāla tree, rich with leaves, Sugrīva spread it out as a seat and sat down there together with Rāghava (Rāma).

Context

Sugriva cut a branch of the beautifully blossomed sala tree with plenty of leaves, spread it (on the ground) and squatted along with Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• śāla tree (sāla)
• branch (śākhā)

FAQs

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

Satkāra (honoring a guest/ally): providing a seat and sharing space expresses respectful alliance, a practical form of Dharma in social relations.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva prepares a seat from a śāla branch and sits with Rāma, formalizing a moment of trust and conversation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful friendship: Sugrīva’s actions show humility and readiness for sincere partnership.