Shloka 4.1.98

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

Devanagari script

पश्य शीतजलां चेमां सौमित्रे पुष्करायुताम्।चक्रवाकानुचरितां कारण्डव निषेविताम्।।।।

Transliteration

paśya śītajalāṃ cemāṃ saumitre puṣkarāyutām | cakravākānucaritāṃ kāraṇḍavaniṣevitām ||

Translation

O Saumitri, behold this lake—cool in its waters and filled with lotuses—where cakravāka birds roam and kāraṇḍava ducks gather.

Context

'O Saumitri! look at this lake of cool water filled with, lotuses, chakravakas flying about and ducks floating.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• Lake Pampā (implied by immediate context in Sarga 1)
• puṣkara (lotus)
• cakravāka birds
• kāraṇḍava ducks

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as steadiness and mindful perception: even amid hardship, Rāma remains attentive, composed, and able to speak gently and clearly to Lakṣmaṇa.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are moving through the Kishkindhā region; Rāma points out the beauty of the waters near Pampā as they proceed in their search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-control (saṃyama) and refined sensitivity—he observes beauty without abandoning his duty.