Shloka 4.1.49

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

Devanagari script

श्यामा पद्मपलाशाक्षी मृदुपूर्वाभिभाषिणी।नूनं वसन्तमासाद्य परित्यक्ष्यति जीवितम्।।।।

Transliteration

śyāmā padma-palāśākṣī mṛdu-pūrvābhibhāṣiṇī | nūnaṃ vasantam āsādya parityakṣyati jīvitam ||

Translation

That dark-complexioned lady with lotus-petal eyes, who once spoke gently first—on encountering spring—will surely abandon her life.

Context

'Eager to speak with her gentle voice, my young beloved, blessed with eyes like lotus petals, will certainly give up her life, unable to enjoy the spring.

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Lakshmana
• spring

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the ethical gravity of abduction: it can drive the innocent toward despair; dharma calls for timely rescue and protection of life.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama fears Sita’s grief will become fatal when spring—normally a season of union—arrives while she is captive.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tenderness and gentleness (as remembered in Sita), and Rama’s deep attentiveness to her emotional nature.