Shloka 4.9.18

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

Devanagari script

नर्दतामसुराणां च ध्वनिर्मे श्रोत्रमागतः।निरस्तस्य च सङ्ग्रामे क्रोशतोनिस्स्वनो गुरोः4.9.18।।

Transliteration

nardatām asurāṇāṃ ca dhvanir me śrotram āgataḥ | nirastasya ca saṅgrāme krośato nissvano guroḥ || 4.9.18 ||

Translation

To my ears came only the roar of the asuras; I heard neither a cry nor any voice of my elder brother as he fought in battle.

Context

'I heard the roaring voices of the demons and not the yelling of my brother engaged in the duel.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• asuras/demons

FAQs

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

Caution in judgment: Sugrīva relies on what is heard (and not heard), showing how dharmic decisions often arise amid incomplete information.

What is the narrative situation?

Outside the cave, Sugrīva hears only demonic roars and not Vāli’s voice, reinforcing his fear that Vāli has fallen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentiveness and concern—he listens for his brother’s voice as a sign of survival.