Shloka 4.8.26

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

Devanagari script

राम शोकाभिभूतोऽहं शोकार्तानां भवान्गतिः।वयस्य इति कृत्वा हि त्वय्यहं परिदेवये।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ hi pāṇipradānena vayasyō me 'gnisākṣikam | kṛtaḥ prāṇair bahumataḥ satyenāpi śapāmi te ||

Translation

By the clasping of hands, with fire as witness, you have become my friend—dearer to me than life itself. By truth itself I swear this to you.

Context

'Rama I am overwhelmed with sorrow. You are the refuge of the distressed. As you are a friend I ventilate all my grief to you.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Agni (fire as witness)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through satya-bound commitment: friendship is sanctified by witness (Agni) and maintained by truthful vows.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva formalizes the alliance, emphasizing the sacred nature of their bond and his pledge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s fidelity and truthfulness in covenant-making.