Shloka 11
मैत्रीप्रतिष्ठा
Rama–Sugriva Alliance and Fire-Rite of Friendship
तन्ममैवैष सत्कारो लाभश्चैवोत्तमः प्रभो।यत्त्वमिच्छसि सौहार्दं वानरेण मया सह4.5.11।।
tan mamaivaiṣa satkāro lābhaś caivottamaḥ prabho |
yat tvam icchasi sauhārdaṁ vānarena mayā saha || 4.5.11 ||
ప్రభో, నాకు ఇదే పరమ సత్కారం, ఉత్తమ లాభం—మీరు నా వంటి వానరునితో సౌహార్దం, స్నేహం కోరుట।
'If you are desirous of my friendship, here is my arm (palm) stretched out to you. With due regard, establish our bond firmly, holding my palm in yours.'
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as honoring worthy bonds: Sugrīva treats friendship with a righteous person as a moral fortune, not merely a political advantage.
After initial introductions, Sugrīva responds to Rāma’s willingness to befriend him, framing it as an extraordinary honor despite Sugrīva’s simian status.
Humility and gratitude: Sugrīva acknowledges social difference yet receives friendship with reverence, showing readiness for a dharmic alliance.