Shloka 4.8.42

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

Devanagari script

सुखं हि कारणं श्रुत्वा वैरस्य तव वानर।अनन्तरं विधास्यामि सम्प्रधार्य बलाबलम्।।

Transliteration

śrutvaitad vacanaṁ rāmaḥ sugrīvam idam abravīt |

kiṁ nimittam abhūd vairaṁ śrotum icchāmi tattvataḥ ||

Translation

Hearing these words, Rāma said to Sugrīva: “For what reason did this enmity arise? I wish to hear the truth of it in full.”

Context

'On hearing the cause of your enmity and considering your strength and weakness, I will take steps to make you happy.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vāli (implied: the enmity)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires informed judgment: Rāma insists on hearing the truth (satya) before acting, aligning power with ethical deliberation.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sugrīva’s plea, Rāma asks for the real cause of the conflict so he can respond appropriately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and commitment to truth—seeking facts before intervention.