Shloka 4.1.88
पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka
निलीय पुनरुत्पत्य सहसाऽन्यत्र गच्छति।मधुलुब्धो मधुकरः पम्पातीरद्रुमेष्वसौ।।।।
nilīya punarutpatya sahasā'nyatra gacchati |
madhulubdho madhukaraḥ pampātīradrumeṣvasau ||
This honey-bee, greedy for nectar, moves among the trees on Pampā’s banks; after resting awhile, it rises again and suddenly goes elsewhere.
'The bees greedy for honey move among the trees on the banks of Pampa. Resting for a while, at one place they fly soon to another.
Rama is describing the beauty of the Pampa Lake region to Lakshmana. The vibrant activity of nature, such as the restless bee seeking honey, contrasts sharply with Rama's internal sorrow and longing for Sita, heightening the emotional tone of Vipralambha Shringara (love in separation).
Valmiki often uses natural phenomena to mirror or contrast human emotions. Here, the bee's 'greed' (lubdha) for honey and erratic movement reflects the agitation of desire, serving as a poignant reminder to Rama of the joys of life that he is currently denied due to his separation from Sita.