Shloka 5.61.9
मधुवनप्रवेशः — The Vanaras Enter Madhuvana (Honey-Grove Episode)
यद्रक्षति महावीर्य स्सदा दधिमुखः कपिः।मातुलः कपिमुख्यस्य सुग्रीवस्य महात्मनः।।।।
yad rakṣati mahāvīryaḥ sadā dadhimukhaḥ kapiḥ |
mātulaḥ kapimukhyasya sugrīvasya mahātmanaḥ ||5.61.9||
It was always guarded by Dadhimukha, the mighty monkey—maternal uncle of the great-souled Sugriva, foremost among the vānara chiefs.
Dadhimukha, the foremost of all monkeys, of great valour and the maternal uncle of Sugriva was the caretaker of the garden.
Dharma as entrusted responsibility: Dadhimukha’s role is to protect what is assigned to him, showing that loyalty includes safeguarding communal/royal resources.
The text identifies the official guardian of Madhuvana, preparing for the encounter between the returning vānara-s and the grove’s protector.
Rakṣā-dharma (the duty to guard) and steadfastness—Dadhimukha is portrayed as valorous and consistently responsible.