Shloka 4.8.36

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

Devanagari script

केवलं हि सहाया मे हनुमत्प्रमुखास्त्विमे।अतोऽहं धारयाम्यद्य प्राणान् कृच्छ्रगतोऽपि सन्।।

Transliteration

kevalaṃ hi sahāyā me hanumatpramukhās tv ime | ato ’haṃ dhārayāmy adya prāṇān kṛcchragato ’pi san ||

Translation

Only these—led by Hanumān—are my helpers; therefore, even though I have fallen into hardship, I keep my life today.

Context

'Only Hanuman and other chiefs are helping me. Therefore, I am surviving in spite of all difficulties.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Hanumān

FAQs

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

The dharma of friendship and loyal service: righteous companions protect life and dignity when power and fortune are lost.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva notes that he survives his exile and danger only because a small circle of allies—especially Hanumān—stands by him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty (bhakti/vaśyatā in service) in Hanumān and the chiefs, and gratitude in Sugrīva who acknowledges their support truthfully.