Shloka 4.19.1

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament and Counsel after Vali’s Fall

Devanagari script

स वानरमहाराजश्शयानश्शरविक्षतः।प्रत्युक्तो हेतुमद्वाक्यैर्नोत्तरं प्रत्यपद्यत।।

Transliteration

sa vānaramahārājaḥ śayānaḥ śaravikṣataḥ | pratyukto hetumad-vākyair nottaraṃ pratyapadyata ||

Translation

That great king of monkeys, lying on the ground and pierced by the arrow, though answered with reasoned words, found no reply to give.

Context

The king of monkeys lying on the ground struck by the arrow did not offer to reply after listening to Rama's appropriate answers (to his objections).

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Rāma (implied as the one giving reasoned answers)

FAQs

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

When dharma is supported by clear reasoning, it can dissolve objections; ethical discourse requires yielding when one’s position cannot be defended truthfully.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma answers Vāli’s challenges, Vāli—wounded and weakened—falls silent, unable to counter the reasoning.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The power of reasoned, dharma-grounded speech (Rāma’s) and the implicit acceptance of truth when one cannot honestly rebut it.