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 ||
Sebagaimana Surya senantiasa yang utama di antara yang bercahaya, sebagaimana Himavān yang utama di antara gunung-gunung agung, dan sebagaimana singa yang utama di antara hewan berkaki empat—demikianlah engkau yang utama di antara manusia dalam keberanian.
'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.