Shloka 47
वालिवधः — Vālī’s Fall and Dharma-Accusation
Kiṣkindhā Sarga 17
त्वयाऽदृश्येन तु रणे निहतोऽहं दुरासदः।प्रसुप्तः पन्नगेनेव नरः पानवशं गतः।।
tvayādṛśyena tu raṇe nihato 'haṃ durāsadaḥ | prasuptaḥ pannageneva naraḥ pānavaśaṃ gataḥ ||
पण तू युद्धात अदृश्य राहून मला—जो दुर्जेय होतो—मारलेस. जसा मद्याच्या वशात जाऊन गाढ झोपलेला मनुष्य सर्पाने मारावा॥
bitten to death by a snake while fast asleep.
FAQs
The verse argues that dharma in combat requires transparency; killing from concealment is likened to an ignoble act against a defenseless person.
Vāli compares Rāma’s unseen shot to a snake killing a sleeping drunk—an image meant to underscore vulnerability and unfairness.
Sportsmanship/fairness in conflict—victory should not come through exploiting an opponent’s inability to respond.