Shloka 4.1.129
पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka
स तौ महात्मा गजमन्दगामी शाखामृगस्तत्र चरञ्चरन्तौ।दृष्ट्वा विषादं परमं जगाम चिन्तापरीतो भयभारमग्नः।।।।
sa tau mahātmā gajamandagāmī śākhāmṛgas tatra caraṃś carantau | dṛṣṭvā viṣādaṃ paramaṃ jagāma cintāparīto bhayabhāramagnaḥ ||
Seeing those two moving there, the great-souled lord of the monkeys—who walked with the slow grace of an elephant—fell into deep despondency, beset by anxious thoughts and sunk beneath the weight of fear.
The great soul, Sugriva, walking slowly like an elephant saw both of them and became despondent, worried and immersed in fear.
It highlights the moral challenge of fear: dharma for a ruler involves not letting fear distort judgment, even when danger is suspected.
Despite initial restraint, Sugriva’s past insecurity resurfaces; seeing the two strangers, he becomes deeply worried and fearful.
The verse foregrounds a lack of inner security; it implicitly points to the virtue needed—courage and clear discernment.