Shloka 4.1.23

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

Devanagari script

मां हि शोकसमाक्रान्तं सन्तापयति मन्मथः।हृष्टः प्रवदमानश्च ममाह्वयति कोकिलः।।।।

Transliteration

māṃ hi śōkasamākrāntaṃ santāpayati manmathaḥ | hṛṣṭaḥ pravadamānaś ca mamāhvayati kōkilaḥ ||

Translation

Even as I am overwhelmed by sorrow, Manmatha burns me; and the cuckoo—joyful and as though jeering—keeps calling out to me.

Context

'Kandarpa (Cupid) torments me while I am already grief-stricken. The Cuckoo with his challenging cheerfulness mocks me.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Manmatha (Cupid/Kandarpa)
• kōkila (cuckoo)
• śōka (sorrow)

FAQs

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

Dharma involves disciplined endurance: Rama recognizes the double pressure of grief and desire, yet this truthful recognition (satya) is the first step to mastering impulse rather than being ruled by it.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama confides to Lakshmana that spring’s love-stirring forces (symbolized by Manmatha and the cuckoo’s call) intensify his suffering in separation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control in the making: Rama names the tormenting forces clearly, showing awareness that supports restraint and continued righteous action.