Shloka 4.19.17

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

Devanagari script

अल्पान्तरगतानां तु श्रुत्वा वचनमङ्गना।आत्मनः प्रतिरूपं सा बभाषे चारुहासिनी।।

Transliteration

alpāntaragatānāṃ tu śrutvā vacanam aṅganā | ātmanaḥ pratirūpaṃ sā babhāṣe cāruhāsinī ||

Translation

Hearing the words of those of petty intent, that lady—smiling sweetly—spoke in a manner true to her own nature.

Context

Hearing the words of the petty-minded monkeys, Tara spoke to them in her own way with a gentle smile:

Characters & Entities

• Tārā (implied as aṅganā/cāruhāsinī)
• vānaras (implied as those spoken of)

FAQs

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

Inner discipline: responding to fear-driven counsel with clarity and self-possessed speech rather than panic.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing anxious, self-interested advice, Tārā prepares to answer with calm dignity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and discernment—gentle composure even as tragedy unfolds.