Shloka 4.1.44

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

Devanagari script

रुचिराण्यपि पुष्पाणि पादपानामतिश्रिया।निष्फलानि महीं यान्ति समं मधुकरोत्करैः।।।।

Transliteration

rucirāṇy api puṣpāṇi pādapānām ati-śriyā | niṣphalāni mahīṃ yānti samaṃ madhukarotkaraiḥ ||

Translation

Even the most lovely flowers—splendid on the trees—fall to the earth without meaning, along with swarms of bees.

Context

'The trees look enchanting with flowers in full bloom, with bees hovering over them. But the flowers fruitlessly drop down on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• bees
• trees
• earth/ground

FAQs

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

External splendor is unstable; dharmic life seeks enduring purpose beyond fleeting pleasure—an implicit critique of relying on sensory delight while duty remains.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama interprets spring’s beauty through his grief, seeing even blossoms and bees as part of a joy that collapses for him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Detachment from indulgence—Rama refuses to be soothed by beauty while separated from Sita.