Shloka 4.9.16

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

Devanagari script

अहं तु नष्टं ज्ञात्वा तं स्नेहादागतसम्भ्रमः।भ्रातरं न च पश्यामि पापाशङ्कि च मे मनः4.9.16।।

Transliteration

ahaṃ tu naṣṭaṃ jñātvā taṃ snehād āgata-sambhramaḥ | bhrātaraṃ na ca paśyāmi pāpāśaṅkī ca me manaḥ || 4.9.16 ||

Translation

But when I thought him lost, out of affection I was shaken with grief; and since I did not see my brother, my mind became filled with fearful suspicions.

Context

'Thinking him dead, I became agitated because of my love for him. My mind began to apprehend his death since I had not seen my brother for long.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Truthfulness begins internally: Sugrīva admits his fear and doubt rather than hiding it, showing integrity in self-reporting and emotional honesty.

What is the narrative situation?

After waiting long at the cave, Sugrīva concludes something terrible has happened to Vāli because he still has not returned.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Affection and loyalty—his anxiety arises from genuine concern for his brother.