Shloka 4.1.4

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

Devanagari script

सौमित्रे पश्य पम्पायाः काननं शुभदर्शनम्।यत्र राजन्ति शैला वा द्रुमास्सशिखरा इव।।।।

Transliteration

saumitre paśya pampāyāḥ kānanaṃ śubha-darśanam |

yatra rājanti śailā vā drumāḥ sa-śikharā iva ||

Translation

O Saumitri, look upon the lovely forest of Pampā, pleasing and auspicious to the eye—where the trees shine like mountains crowned with peaks.

Context

'O Saumitri! look at the pleasant forest around Pampa where trees stand splendid like mountain-peaks.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Pampā (lake/region)
• forest (kānana)
• trees (druma)
• mountains (śaila)

FAQs

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

Dharma is reflected in purposeful companionship: Lakṣmaṇa’s loyal attendance and Rāma’s steady forward movement through the forest frame the quest as righteous duty, not mere wandering.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa arrive near Pampā; Rāma draws Lakṣmaṇa’s attention to the forest’s beauty as they proceed in the search for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Brotherly loyalty and steadiness: Lakṣmaṇa’s role as attentive companion is foregrounded by Rāma addressing him and guiding their shared journey.