Shloka 60
दुन्दुभिवधप्रसङ्गः
The Dundubhi Episode and the Proof of Rama’s Prowess
किं भवन्तस्समस्ताश्च मतङ्गवनवासिनः।मत्समीपमनुप्राप्ता अपि स्वस्ति वनौकसाम्4.11.60।।
kiṃ bhavantaḥ samastāś ca mataṅgavanavāsinaḥ | matsamīpam anuprāptā api svasti vanaukasām || 4.11.60 ||
किं भवन्तः समस्ताश्च मतङ्गवनवासिनः मम समीपमनुप्राप्ताः? वनौकसां च सर्वेषां स्वस्ति वा इति मे ब्रूत।
'Why have you, residents of the groves of Matanga, come to me? Hope all are safe!'
FAQs
Rāja-dharma: a leader’s first instinct should be inquiry into the welfare (svasti) of those dependent on him. Even a powerful ruler must prioritize the safety of his community.
Vali encounters the monkeys coming from Matanga’s grove and questions their sudden arrival and well-being.
Protective concern and attentiveness—Vali’s questioning shows awareness of responsibility toward his forest-dwelling kin.