Shloka 4.8.27

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

Devanagari script

त्वं हि पाणिप्रदानेन वयस्यो मेऽग्निसाक्षिकम्।कृतः प्राणैर्बहुमतस्सत्येनापि शपामि ते।।

Transliteration

vayasya iti kṛtvā ca visrabdhaḥ pravadāmy aham | duḥkham antargataṃ yan me mano harati nityaśaḥ ||

Translation

And since I regard you as a friend, I speak with confidence: a sorrow hidden within me continually torments my mind.

Context

'I value your hand of friendship extended to me, with fire as witness more than my very life. I, on my own, offer my pledge of friendship.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma in friendship includes honest disclosure: trust permits truthful speech about suffering so that right action can follow.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva prepares to narrate his deeper pain and the causes behind his plight, relying on Rāma’s friendship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s openness and reliance on a righteous ally rather than secrecy or deceit.