Shloka 6.18.34

शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana

Devanagari script

रामस्यतुवच्शुत्वासुग्रीवःप्लवगेश्वरः ।प्रत्यभाषतकाकुत्स्थंसौहार्देनप्रचोदितः ।।।।

Transliteration

rāmasya tu vacaḥ śrutvā sugrīvaḥ plavageśvaraḥ |

pratyabhāṣata kākutsthaṃ sauhārdena pracoditaḥ ||

Translation

Hearing Rāma’s words, Sugrīva—the lord of the vānaras—replied to the Kakutstha prince, moved by affection.

Context

Having heard the inciting words spoken by Rama so lovingly, the king of Vanaras replied.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Kakutstha (dynastic epithet)

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by good counsel within friendship: Sugrīva responds not with rivalry but with loyal affection that upholds righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma declares his vow of refuge, the narration turns to Sugrīva’s reply.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s loyalty and affectionate alignment with Rāma’s dharmic stance.