Shloka 4.19.28

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

Devanagari script

तामवेक्ष्य तु सुग्रीवः क्रोशन्तीं कुररीमिव।विषादमगमत्कष्टं दृष्ट्वा चाङ्गदमागतम्।।

Transliteration

arcitaṃ sarvalokasya sapatākaṃ savedikam || nāgahetoḥ suparṇena caityam unmathitaṃ yathā |

Translation

He seemed like a sacred shrine revered by all the worlds, complete with banner and altar—yet torn up by Garuḍa because of a serpent (within).

Context

Seeing Tara crying like a female osprey and Angada following her in despair, Sugriva felt pain (at heart).ইত্যার্ষে শ্রীমদ্রামাযণে বাল্মীকীয আদিকাব্যে কিষ্কিন্ধাকাণ্ডে একোনবিংশস্সর্গঃ৷৷Thus ends the nineteenth sarga of Kishkindakanda of the Holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Garuḍa (Suparṇa)
• Serpent (nāga)
• Chaitya/shrine (caitya)
• Banner (patākā)
• Altar (vedikā)

FAQs

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

Public reverence does not equal moral immunity. The simile warns that hidden fault (symbolized by the serpent) can bring ruin even to what appears sacred—Dharma requires inner integrity, not only outer honor.

What is the narrative situation?

The poet continues describing Vāli’s fall using a religious image: a worshipped shrine destroyed due to a concealed cause.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): the ability to look beyond reputation and see underlying causes and ethical complexity.