Shloka 4.1.78

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

Devanagari script

पद्मकाश्चैव शोभन्ते नीलाशोकाश्च पुष्पिताः।लोध्राश्च गिरिपृष्ठेषु सिंहकेसरपिञ्जराः।।।।

Transliteration

padmakāś caiva śobhante nīlāśokāś ca puṣpitāḥ | lodhrāś ca giripṛṣṭheṣu siṃhakesarapiñjarāḥ ||

Translation

Lotuses are resplendent, and the blue aśoka trees too are in flower; and lodhra trees on the mountain backs gleam tawny-gold, like a lion’s mane.

Context

'Lotuses and blue asokas are also in bloom. Lodhra trees on the mountain-slopes look golden like the lion's mane.

Characters & Entities

• Rama (speaker)
• Lakshmana
• lotus (padmaka)
• blue aśoka (nīlāśoka)
• lodhra trees
• mountain slopes (giripṛṣṭha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is steadiness of mind through truthful awareness (satya): perceiving splendor in the world without losing one’s duty helps sustain righteous effort over long trials.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama highlights more features of the spring landscape—lotuses, blue aśokas, and lodhra trees on the mountain slopes—while journeying near Pampā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance with aesthetic sensitivity: Rama’s grief does not collapse into chaos; it coexists with clear perception and continued purposeful movement.