Shloka 1.2.16

द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)

Devanagari script

तस्यैवं ब्रुवतश्चिन्ता बभूव हृदि वीक्षतः ।शोकार्तेनास्य शकुने: किमिदं व्याहृतं मया ।।1.2.16।।

Transliteration

tasyaivaṃ bruvataś cintā babhūva hṛdi vīkṣataḥ |

śokārtenāsya śakuneḥ kim idaṃ vyāhṛtaṃ mayā ||1.2.16||

Translation

As he spoke thus and looked on, a thought arose in his heart: “Distressed by this bird’s grief, what is it that I have uttered?”

Context

Brooding over his utterances, he reflected, 'What is this that I uttered in reaction to the grief of this bird?'

Characters & Entities

• Vālmīki
• śakuni (bird)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes self-scrutiny: even righteous anger must be examined; truthful reflection (satya toward one’s own mind) refines moral speech.

What is the narrative situation?

After uttering the imprecation, Vālmīki wonders at his own spontaneous words and investigates their source.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ātma-vicāra (self-inquiry): the sage does not stop at emotion; he evaluates his speech and intention.