Shloka 4.8.21

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

Devanagari script

उपकारफलं मित्रमपकारोऽरिलक्षणम्।अद्यैव तं हनिष्यामि तव भार्यापहारिणम्।।

Transliteration

upakāraphalaṃ mitram apakāro 'rilakṣaṇam | adyaiva taṃ haniṣyāmi tava bhāryāpahāriṇam ||

Translation

A friend is known by the fruit of help; harming others is the mark of an enemy. This very day I will kill him—the one who carried off your wife.

Context

'While a friend is known for his help, an enemy is known for his offensiveness. I will this very day kill the one who wrested your wife.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva

FAQs

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

Dharma distinguishes ally from adversary by conduct: help sustains friendship, while harm and violation (such as abducting another’s wife) demands just response.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma assures Sugrīva that he will punish the wrongdoer responsible for Sugrīva’s marital loss, strengthening their pact.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s commitment to justice and truthful promise-keeping (satya in resolve).