Shloka 4.19.11

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

Devanagari script

जीवपुत्रे निवर्तस्व पुत्रं रक्षस्व चाङ्गदम्।अन्तको रामरूपेण हत्वा नयति वालिनम्।।

Transliteration

jīvaputre nivartasva putraṃ rakṣasva cāṅgadam | antako rāmarūpeṇa hatvā nayati vālinam ||

Translation

“O mother whose son yet lives, turn back; protect your son Aṅgada. Death himself, in the form of Rāma, has slain Vāli and is carrying him away.”

Context

'O mother, your son is still alive. Go back and protect your son Angada. Lord of death in the form of Rama has come and killed Vali and is carrying him away.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Aṅgada
• Rāma
• Vāli
• Antaka (Death personified)

FAQs

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

In calamity, dharma shifts to guardianship and continuity: the living must protect the heir (Aṅgada) and preserve the community’s future.

What is the narrative situation?

The monkeys urge the grieving Tārā to withdraw and safeguard Aṅgada, announcing that Vāli has been killed by Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective responsibility (rakṣā-dharma) toward one’s child and successor in a moment of political and familial crisis.