Shloka 4.8.39

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

Devanagari script

तद्विनाशाद्धि मे दुःखं प्रणष्टं स्यादनन्तरम्।सुखं मे जीवितं चैव तद्विनाशनिबन्धनम्।।

Transliteration

so ’haṁ sabhājyo bandhūnāṁ suhṛdāṁ caiva rāghava |

yasyāgnisākṣikaṁ mitraṁ labdhaṁ rāghava-vaṁśajam ||

Translation

O Rāghava, since I have gained you—born in the Rāghava line—as a friend in a pact witnessed by the sacred fire, I have become worthy of equal honor among my kinsmen and my well-wishers.

Context

'My sorrow will go only with his death. My happiness and my life are also subject to his destruction.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Agni (fire as witness)
• Rāghava dynasty

FAQs

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

Dharma here centers on fidelity to a solemn pledge: friendship ratified with Agni as witness implies truthfulness (satya) and unwavering commitment.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva acknowledges the legitimacy and honor he gains after forming a formal friendship with Rāma, strengthening their alliance against Vāli.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva emphasizes loyalty and reverence for vowed friendship, treating the bond as socially and morally elevating.