Shloka 29
स्वयम्प्रभा-विमोचनम् — Svayamprabha Leads the Vanaras Out
Time-Limit Crisis and Counsel
धृवं नो हिंसिता राजा सर्वान्प्रतिगतानितः।।।।वधेनाप्रतिरूपेण श्रेयान्मृत्युरिहैव नः।
dhruvaṃ no hiṃsitā rājā sarvān pratigatān itaḥ |
vadhena apratirūpeṇa śreyān mṛtyur ihaiva naḥ ||
毫无疑问，我们从此处归去，国王必折磨我们众人，以可怖而非常之刑处死；对我们而言，倒不如就死在此地。
FAQs
A mission accepted from a rightful leader carries consequences; the verse reflects how fear of punishment can distort judgment and push one toward self-destruction rather than truthful return and accountability.
After failing to find Sītā, the vānaras anticipate harsh punishment from Sugrīva if they return, and some consider death preferable.
Negative example highlighting loss of courage; it indirectly calls for steadiness and truthful reporting despite fear.