Shloka 4.1.33

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

Devanagari script

अपश्यतस्तां दयितां पश्यतो रुचिरद्रुमान्।ममायमात्मप्रभवो भूयस्त्वमुपयास्यति।।।।

Transliteration

apaśyatas tāṃ dayitāṃ paśyato rucira-drumān |

mamāyam ātma-prabhavo bhūyas tvam upayāsyati ||

Translation

When I cannot see my beloved, even the sight of these beautiful trees makes this love, rising from within me, grow all the more.

Context

'Unable to see my beloved wife, the very sight of these lovely trees intensifies my love for her who shines resplendent in me.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita (implied as dayitā)
• Pampā region/forest (implied by sarga context)
• trees (druma)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as unwavering fidelity (ekapatnī-vrata in spirit): Rāma’s mind does not turn to new pleasures; instead, beauty in nature intensifies remembrance of Sītā, showing constancy and moral restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

In the Pampā forest during spring, Rāma, separated from Sītā after her abduction, speaks to Lakṣmaṇa; the season’s beauty triggers deeper longing rather than comfort.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast devotion and self-control: Rāma’s love is singular and principled, and his emotions align with truthfulness about his suffering rather than denial.