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 ||
Bakit kayong lahat, na naninirahan sa gubat ni Matanga, ay lumapit sa akin? At ligtas ba ang mga nananahan sa gubat?
'Why have you, residents of the groves of Matanga, come to me? Hope all are safe!'
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.