Shloka 5.63.3
दधिमुख-विज्ञापनम् / Dadhimukha Reports the Madhuvana Incident
स तु विश्वासितस्तेन सुग्रीवेण महात्मना।उत्थाय सुमहाप्राज्ञो वाक्यं दधिमुखोऽब्रवीत्।।।।
prīto ’smi so ’haṃ yad bhuktaṃ vanaṃ taiḥ kṛtakarmabhiḥ |
marṣitaṃ marṣaṇīyaṃ ca ceṣṭitaṃ kṛtakarmaṇām ||
“I am pleased that they have enjoyed the grove, for it was done by those who have fulfilled their task. Their conduct is forgiven; indeed, it is pardonable in those who have accomplished the work.”
When great Sugriva gave assurance to wise Dadhimukha, he got up and said:
Dharma in governance includes measured forgiveness: a leader balances rule-enforcement with compassion when the larger righteous mission has succeeded.
Sugrīva responds to the complaint about Madhuvana by pardoning the returning vānaras, recognizing their success.
Sugrīva’s magnanimity and discernment—he rewards service and avoids punitive anger when forgiveness better serves the cause.