Shloka 4.9.24

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

Devanagari script

हत्वा शत्रुं स मे भ्राता प्रविवेश पुरं तदा4.9.24।।मानयंस्तं महात्मानं यथावच्चाभ्यवादयम्।उक्ताश्च नाशिषस्तेन सन्तुष्टेनान्तरात्मना4.9.25।।

Transliteration

rājyaṃ praśāsatas tasya pitṛpaitāmahaṃ mahat | ahaṃ sarveṣu kāleṣu praṇataḥ preṣyavat sthitaḥ || 4.9.3 ||

Translation

While he governed the great kingdom inherited from our forefathers, I remained at all times bowed and obedient, standing by him like a servant.

Context

'When my brother came back to the town after killing the enemy, I offered as usual my salutations to him. But he did not bless me wholeheartedly.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālī
• Kiṣkindhā (implied kingdom context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is loyalty and rightful service within family and polity—Sugrīva claims he upheld proper conduct by remaining obedient to the reigning elder brother.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva is recounting to Rāma how he lived under Vālī’s rule and how his own behavior was consistently respectful and subordinate.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and fidelity (vinaya and bhakti to duty), shown through continual respectful service.