Shloka 4.1.6

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

Devanagari script

शोकार्तस्यापि मे पम्पा शोभते चित्रकानना।व्यवकीर्णा बहुविधैः पुष्पैश्शीतोदका शिवा।।।।

Transliteration

śokārtasyāpi me pampā śobhate citrakānanā | vyavakīrṇā bahuvidhaiḥ puṣpaiḥ śītodakā śivā ||

Translation

Even though I am stricken with grief, Pampā still appears beautiful to me—adorned with wondrous woods, strewn with many kinds of flowers, cool-watered and auspicious.

Context

Though stricken with grief, I feel so delighted to see the auspicious Pampa with its wonderful forest and cool water scattered with flowers.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Pampa (lake/region)

FAQs

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

Balanced perception under suffering: dharma includes maintaining clarity—recognizing auspiciousness and beauty even while grieving, without letting sorrow erase truth.

What is the narrative situation?

At Pampa, Rama begins describing the landscape in spring; despite grief over Sita, he notes the lake’s auspicious beauty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sattva (inner steadiness) and mindful appreciation—grief is present, but awareness remains lucid and grounded.