Shloka 90
दुन्दुभिवधप्रसङ्गः
The Dundubhi Episode and the Proof of Rama’s Prowess
स एव संशयस्तात तव तस्य च यद्बले4.11.90।।सालमेकं तु निर्भिद्या भवेद्व्यक्तिर्बलाबले।
sa eva saṁśayas tāta tava tasya ca yad bale |
sālam ekaṁ tu nirbhidya bhaved vyaktir balābale ||
அன்பே, வலிமை பற்றிய உன் மற்றும் அவன் சந்தேகம் அதேபடியே உள்ளது. ஆனால் நீ ஒரு சால மரத்தைத் துளைத்தால், வலிமை–பலவீனம் என்னும் உண்மை தெளிவாகும்.
'I was unable to gauge whether your strength is more than his (Vali's) since there is a great difference between a dry body and a wet one.
FAQs
Dharma as fair procedure: before undertaking a morally charged act (killing Vali), Sugrīva requests a clearer, more reliable demonstration.
Sugrīva proposes an alternative test—piercing a śāla tree—to better assess whether Rama can match or exceed Vali’s prowess.
Practical wisdom: Sugrīva seeks verifiable proof to minimize risk and ensure the alliance proceeds on truthful grounds.