Shloka 5.63.1

दधिमुख-विज्ञापनम् / Dadhimukha Reports the Madhuvana Incident

Devanagari script

ततो मूर्ध्ना निपतितं वानरं वानरर्षभः।दृष्ट्वैवोद्विग्नहृदयो वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह।।।।

Transliteration

tato mūrdhnā nipatitaṃ vānaraṃ vānararṣabhaḥ | dṛṣṭvaivodvignahṛdayo vākyam etad uvāca ha ॥5.63.1॥

Translation

Then Sugrīva, the bull among the vanaras, seeing a vanara fallen at his feet with his forehead to the ground, grew anxious at heart and spoke these words.

Context

Feeling anxious on seeing Dadhimukha touching his feet with his forehead, Sugriva, the bull among vanaras said:

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Dadhimukha (implied by context as the prostrating vanara)
• vānarāḥ

FAQs

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

Rajadharma and responsibility: a ruler becomes concerned when a duty-bound subordinate approaches in distress; governance requires attentive listening and readiness to address wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Dadhimukha approaches Sugrīva in a formal, urgent manner (prostration), prompting Sugrīva’s immediate concern.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s alertness and responsiveness to his subjects’ distress are emphasized.