Shloka 4.9.11

वालि–मायावी–बिलप्रवेशः (Vali’s Pursuit of Mayavi and the Cave Episode)

Devanagari script

स तृणैरावृतं दुर्गं धरण्या विवरं महत्।प्रविवेशासुरो वेगादावामासाद्य विष्ठितौ4.9.11।।

Transliteration

sa tṛṇair āvṛtaṃ durgaṃ dharaṇyā vivaraṃ mahat | praviveśāsuro vegād āvām āsādya viṣṭhitau ||

Translation

That asura, in haste, entered a great opening in the earth—hard to access and covered with grass; we reached the spot and stood our ground there.

Context

'The demon entered into a hole (cave) covered with a heap of grass, difficult, therefore, of access. Both of us reached there and took position.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālī
• Rāma
• Asura (unnamed here)
• Cave/opening in the earth

FAQs

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

Dharma is vigilance against wrongdoing: confronting an aggressor may require endurance and strategic positioning rather than reckless entry.

What is the narrative situation?

The pursued asura slips into a concealed cave-like opening; Vālī and Sugrīva arrive and hold position at the entrance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sthiratā (steadiness) and alertness in confronting danger.