Shloka 4.19.10

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

Devanagari script

कपिपत्न्या वचश्श्रुत्वा कपयः कामरूपिणः।प्राप्तकालमविक्लिष्टमूचुर्वचनमङ्गनाम्।।

Transliteration

kapipatnyā vacaḥ śrutvā kapayaḥ kāmarūpiṇaḥ | prāptakālam avikliṣṭam ūcur vacanam aṅganām ||

Translation

Hearing the words of Tārā, the monkey-king’s wife, the monkeys—able to assume forms at will—spoke to the lady with clear words suited to the moment.

Context

On hearing Tara, the wife of Vali, the monkeys who could assume any form at their will replied with clear words appropriate to the occasion:

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Monkeys (kapayaḥ)
• Vāli (implied by 'kapipatnī')

FAQs

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

Dharma in communication is prāptakāla-vacana: speaking what is timely and clear, especially in moments of crisis and grief.

What is the narrative situation?

After Tārā speaks, the monkey leaders respond, offering a message intended to match the urgency of the situation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom: clarity and timeliness in counsel offered to someone in distress.