दुन्दुभिवधप्रसङ्गः
The Dundubhi Episode and the Proof of Rama’s Prowess
यथा हि तेजस्सु वरस्सदा रविर्यथा हि शैलो हिमवान्महाद्रिषु।यथा चतुष्पात्सु च केसरी वरस्तथा नरणामसि विक्रमे वरः4.11.93।।
yathā hi tejassu varas sadā ravir yathā hi śailo himavān mahādriṣu |
yathā catuṣpātsu ca kesarī varas tathā narāṇām asi vikrame varaḥ ||
De même que le Soleil est à jamais le premier parmi les lumineux, que l’Himavān est le premier parmi les grandes montagnes, et que le lion est le premier parmi les bêtes à quatre pattes, ainsi es-tu le premier des hommes par la vaillance.
'Now string your bow, draw it like the trunk of an elephant up to your ear and release the great arrow.
Dharma as recognition of true merit: rightful leadership and protection depend on genuine excellence; praise is ethically sound when rooted in satya (truth).
After proposing a fair test of strength, Sugrīva affirms Rama’s supreme valour through traditional comparisons to the greatest in their domains.
Rama’s vikrama (heroic prowess) as a dharmic instrument—strength meant to uphold promises, protect allies, and restore order.