Shloka 4.9.17

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

Devanagari script

अथ दीर्घस्य कालस्य बिलात्तस्माद्विनिस्सृतम्।सफेनं रुधिरं रक्तमहं दृष्ट्वा सुदुःखितः।।4.9.17।।

Transliteration

atha dīrghasya kālasya bilāt tasmād viniḥsṛtam | saphenaṃ rudhiraṃ raktaṃ ahaṃ dṛṣṭvā suduḥkhitaḥ || 4.9.17 ||

Translation

Then, after a long time, I saw foaming, crimson blood flowing out from that cave, and I was overwhelmed with sorrow.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• cave (bila)
• blood (rudhira)

FAQs

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

Acting responsibly on evidence: the verse highlights how visible signs can compel moral and practical decisions, even when certainty is painful.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva observes foaming blood emerging from the cave, which he interprets as a sign that Vāli has been killed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sensitivity and compassion—his immediate response is grief rather than self-interest.