Shloka 4.1.28

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

Devanagari script

दात्यूहरतिविक्रन्दैः पुंस्कोकिलरुतैरपि।स्वनन्ति पादपाश्चेमे ममानङ्गप्रदीपनाः।।।।

Transliteration

dātyūha-rati-vikrandaiḥ puṁs-kokila-rutair api |

svananti pādapāś ceme mamānaṅga-pradīpanāḥ ||

Translation

These trees resound with the love-cries of the dātyūhas and with the calls of male cuckoos as well—sounds that kindle Kāma within me.

Context

These trees seem to enkindle my passion through all sorts of sounds like the loud cackle of swamp-hens and the sweet warble of the male cuckoos.

Characters & Entities

• trees (pādapāḥ)
• dātyūha (swamp-hen)
• kokila (cuckoo)
• Anaṅga/Manmatha (Kama)

FAQs

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

Dharma involves governance of desire: the world may stimulate passion, but the righteous person recognizes these forces and does not let them overthrow duty and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

In springtime near Pampā, natural sounds intensify Rāma’s longing; he confides this to Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Honest self-awareness (satya toward oneself): Rāma truthfully names the rise of desire and grief rather than masking it.