Shloka 4.19.20

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा प्रदुद्राव रुदन्ती शोककर्शिता।शिरश्चोरश्च बाहुभ्यां दुःखेन समभिध्नती।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā pradudrāva rudantī śokakarśitā | śiraś coraś ca bāhubhyāṃ duḥkhena samabhidhnatī ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, grief-wasted Tārā ran forward weeping, striking her head and chest with both arms in sorrow.

Context

So saying, the grief-stricken, weeping Tara hastened, sadly beating with both hands her head and her chest.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli (implied as the one she runs to)

FAQs

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

Satya of human emotion: the epic acknowledges grief as real and powerful, even amid political imperatives.

What is the narrative situation?

After declaring her intent, Tārā rushes toward the battlefield where Vāli lies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and immediacy—she prioritizes her husband’s condition over courtly procedure.