Shloka 4.1.37

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

Devanagari script

शिखिनीभिः परिवृतास्ते एते मदमूर्छिताः।मन्मथाभिपरीतस्य मम मन्मथवर्धनाः।।।।

Transliteration

śikhinībhiḥ parivṛtās te ete mada-mūrchitāḥ |

manmathābhiparītasya mama manmatha-vardhanāḥ ||

Translation

Surrounded by peahens, these peacocks—intoxicated with passion—only increase desire in me, who am already overwhelmed by love-longing.

Context

'The peacocks intoxicated with passion for the peahens surround them intensifying my longing (for Vaidehi).

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• peacocks
• peahens
• Manmatha (as concept/deity of love, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here involves mastery over desire: Rāma recognizes stimuli that intensify longing, yet his longing remains directed toward his rightful spouse, not toward unrighteous gratification.

What is the narrative situation?

Observing mating play among peacocks and peahens in spring, Rāma confides that such scenes sharpen his separation-pain for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-awareness: he identifies how sense-objects affect the mind, a prerequisite for disciplined, dharmic action.