Shloka 4.1.64

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

Devanagari script

चक्रवाकयुता नित्यं चित्रप्रस्तवनान्तरा।मातङ्गमृगयूथैश्च शोभते सलिलार्थिभिः।।।।

Transliteration

cakravākayutā nityaṃ citraprastavanāntarā | mātaṅgamṛgayūthaiś ca śobhate salilārthibhiḥ ||

Translation

Ever accompanied by cakravāka birds and bordered by charming woodland slopes, Pampā shines as herds of elephants and deer, seeking water, gather there.

Context

'Frequented by the Chakravakas and surrounded by the wonderful forest with thirsty elephants and deer this Pampa looks beautiful.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Pampā (lake)
• Cakravāka birds
• Elephants (mātaṅga)
• Deer (mṛga)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights dharma as shared sustenance: the lake supports many lives without discrimination—an image for righteous governance and compassionate provision.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma depicts Pampā as a living ecosystem—birds and animals congregate there—while he and Lakṣmaṇa proceed in their quest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathetic awareness—Rāma notices the needs of living beings (salilārthin), reflecting a compassionate temperament.