Shloka 4.19.26
ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament and Counsel after Vali’s Fall
तावतीत्य समासाद्य भर्तारं निहतं रणे।।समीक्ष्य व्यथिता भूमौ सम्भ्रान्ता निपपात ह।
sā dadarśa tatas trastān harīn āpatato bhṛśam | yūthād iva paribhraṣṭān mṛgān nihatayūthapān ||
Then she saw the monkeys, panic-stricken, rushing wildly—like deer scattered from their herd when their leader has been slain.
Passing Rama and Lakshmana, she went near her husband killed in the combat. She was full of agony to see him. Deeply agitated in the mind, she fell down on the ground.
Dharma includes stable leadership that protects the community from disorder. The simile teaches that when a leader falls, the group’s cohesion breaks—so rightful rule must be anchored in protection and legitimacy.
Tārā witnesses the vānara forces scattering after Vāli’s death.
The implied virtue is responsible leadership: a ruler’s fall affects many, not only the ruler.