Shloka 4.9.8

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

Devanagari script

स तु निर्धूय ताः सर्वा निर्जगाम महाबलः।ततोऽहमपि सौहार्दान्निस्सृतो वालिना सह4.9.8।।

Transliteration

mānayaṃs taṃ mahātmānaṃ yathāvac cābhyavādayam | uktāś ca nāśiṣas tena santuṣṭenāntarātmanā || 4.9.25 ||

Translation

Honouring that great-souled one, I greeted him with due reverence as was proper; yet he spoke no blessing to me, for in his inmost heart he was not truly pleased.

Context

'That mighty warrior(Vali) came out, pushing aside all the women-folk. I too followed him due to my affection towards him.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vālī

FAQs

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

Dharma is not merely external courtesy; inner intention matters. Blessings and goodwill should match outward forms of respect—otherwise relationships corrode through hypocrisy.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vālī’s return, Sugrīva performs the customary respectful greeting, but perceives Vālī’s inner displeasure through the absence of sincere blessings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s propriety and respect for elders; the verse also stresses sincerity (inner truth) as a moral requirement.