वालिवधः — Vālī’s Fall and Dharma-Accusation
Kiṣkindhā Sarga 17
रामः करुणवेदी च प्रजानां च हिते रतः।सानुक्रोशो जितोत्साहस्समयज्ञो दृढव्रतः।।4.17.16।।इति ते सर्वभूतानि कथयन्ति यशो भुवि।।4.17.17।।
rāmaḥ karuṇa-vedī ca prajānāṁ ca hite rataḥ |
sānukrośo jitotsāhaḥ samaya-jño dṛḍha-vrataḥ ||
रामः करुणवेदी च प्रजानां च हिते रतः। सानुक्रोशो जितोत्साहः समयज्ञो दृढव्रतः॥
The verse frames ideal kingship (rāja-dharma) as compassion joined with public welfare, disciplined courage, and fidelity to vows—virtues that should guide power.
In the midst of reproaching Rāma, Vāli paradoxically acknowledges Rāma’s widely proclaimed reputation for compassion and principled conduct.
Compassion (anukrośa/karuṇā) integrated with steadfastness and discernment (samaya-jñatā) is highlighted as Rāma’s defining excellence.