Shloka 4.9.22

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

Devanagari script

अभिषिक्तं तु मां दृष्ट्वा वाली संरक्तलोचनः।मदीयान्मन्त्रिणो बद्ध्वा परुषं वाक्यमब्रवीत्4.9.22।।

Transliteration

pitari uparate 'smākaṃ jyeṣṭho 'yam iti mantribhiḥ | kapīnām īśvaro rājye kṛtaḥ paramasammataḥ || 4.9.2 ||

Translation

When our father had passed away, the ministers—agreeing, “this one is the elder”—appointed him lord of the monkeys in the kingdom, with the full assent of all.

Context

'Seeing me on the throne, Vali became angry and his eyes turned red. He imprisonedmy ministers and spoke to me harshly.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• father of Vāli and Sugrīva (unnamed here)
• ministers (mantrin)
• monkey kingdom (Kiṣkindhā polity)

FAQs

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

Social order through accepted norms: the ministers uphold succession by eldership and collective consent, reflecting dharmic governance structures.

What is the narrative situation?

A background note on how rulership was earlier assigned after the father’s death—by ministers and by the principle of the elder’s precedence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for institutional legitimacy—rule is shown as rooted in counsel and communal approval, not mere force.