Shloka 4.8.32

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

Devanagari script

पुराऽहं वालिना राम राज्यात्स्वादवरोपितः।परुषाणि च संश्राव्य निर्धूतोऽस्मि बलीयसा।।

Transliteration

purā ’haṃ vālinā rāma rājyāt svād avaropitaḥ | paruṣāṇi ca saṃśrāvya nirdhūto ’smi balīyasā ||

Translation

Formerly, O Rāma, Vāli tore me from my own kingship; after making me hear harsh words, that stronger one drove me out.

Context

'O Rama! I was subjected to the harsh words of powerful Vali in the past when he uprooted me from the kingdom and threw me out.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Vāli

FAQs

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

The verse frames adharma as wrongful seizure of rule and humiliating speech; dharma requires just governance and restraint in power, especially toward one’s own kin.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva explains to Rāma how Vāli removed him from kingship and expelled him after insulting him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s commitment to satya—he presents his grievance plainly to seek righteous redress.