Shloka 4.1.1

पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka

Devanagari script

स तां पुष्करिणीं गत्वा पद्मोत्पलझषाकुलाम्।रामस्सौमित्रि सहितो विललापाकुलेन्द्रियः।।।।

Transliteration

sa tāṁ puṣkariṇīṁ gatvā padmotpala-jhaṣākulām |

rāmaḥ saumitri-sahito vilalāpa ākulendriyaḥ || 4.1.1 ||

Translation

Reaching that lake teeming with lotuses, lilies, and fish, Rama—together with Saumitri—lamented, his senses thrown into turmoil.

Context

Arriving with Laksmana at the lake filled with lotuses, lilies and fishes, Rama, his senses oppressed, burst into tears.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana (Saumitri)
• lake (Pampā context implied by nearby verses)
• lotuses
• lilies
• fish

FAQs

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

The verse frames grief as a human condition even for the righteous; dharma includes enduring suffering without abandoning one’s purpose and responsibilities.

What is the narrative situation?

At the opening of Kishkindha-kanda, Rama and Lakshmana arrive near the lake region and Rama’s sorrow intensifies in separation from Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Emotional honesty and steadfastness: Rama does not deny pain, yet the narrative sets the stage for continued dharmic action despite turmoil.