Shloka 4.1.3

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

Devanagari script

सौमित्रे शोभते पम्पा वैदूर्यविमलोदका।फुल्लपद्मोत्पलवती शोभिता विविधैर्द्रुमैः।।।।

Transliteration

saumitre śobhate pampā vaidūrya-vimalodakā |

phulla-padmotpalavatī śobhitā vividhair drumaiḥ ||

Translation

O Saumitri, Lake Pampā shines—its waters clear like vaidūrya, filled with blooming lotuses and utpalas, and adorned with trees of many kinds.

Context

'O Saumitri! Pampa looks beautiful with its water clear as vaidurya, its lilies and lotuses in full bloom and its trees in all their variety.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana (Saumitri)
• Pampā (lake)
• vaidūrya (gem/comparison)
• lotuses (padma)
• lilies (utpala)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes reverent engagement with the world: recognizing beauty and order in nature supports clarity of mind, which is essential for righteous decisions.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa move in the Pampā region, Rāma describes the lake’s splendor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Cultivated perception and steadiness: Rāma can appreciate and describe beauty even while burdened by his mission and sorrow.