Shloka 4.8.35

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

Devanagari script

शङ्कया त्वेतया चेह दृष्ट्वा त्वामपि राघव।नोपसर्पाम्यहं भीतो भये सर्वे हि बिभ्यति।।

Transliteration

śaṅkayā tv etayā ceha dṛṣṭvā tvām api rāghava | nopasarpāmy ahaṃ bhīto bhaye sarve hi bibhyati ||

Translation

And so, O Rāghava, seeing even you here, I did not come near—afraid because of this suspicion; for when fear is present, all beings indeed tremble.

Context

'It is because of suspicion that I did not approach you. Every one is scared when there is ample reason to fear.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāghava (Rāma)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent caution: fear can cloud judgment, so one must move carefully until truth and intent are understood—yet also be honest about one’s hesitation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva explains why he initially kept distance from Rāma—he feared deception or danger due to his past experience with Vāli.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Candor (satya in speech) paired with prudence—Sugrīva admits his fear rather than hiding it.