Shloka 4.9.14

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

Devanagari script

मया त्वेतद्वचश्श्रुत्वा याचितस्स परन्तपः।शापयित्वा तु मां पद्भ्यां प्रविवेश बिलं महत्4.9.14।।

Transliteration

mayā tv etad vacaḥ śrutvā yācitaḥ sa parantapaḥ | śāpayitvā tu māṃ padbhyāṃ praviveśa bilaṃ mahat ||

Translation

Hearing my words, I pleaded with him; but that scorcher of foes made me swear at his feet, and then he entered the great cave.

Context

'On hearing him, I begged the scorcher of enemies (Vali) that I would follow him, but he made me swear on his feet and entered the cave.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālī
• Rāma
• Cave (bila)

FAQs

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

Dharma is linked to satya (truth) through the binding force of an oath; once made to swear, Sugrīva is morally constrained to obey, showing how vows govern conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva recounts that he wanted to accompany Vālī, but Vālī compelled him to swear and then entered the cave alone.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śapatha-niṣṭhā (commitment to an oath) and obedience to a superior’s command—even when personally anxious.