Shloka 4.19.9

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

Devanagari script

राज्यहेतोस्स चेद्भ्राता भ्रात्रा रौद्रेण पातितः।रामेण प्रहितैरौद्रैर्मार्गणैर्दूरपातिभिः।।

Transliteration

rājya-hetoḥ sa ced bhrātā bhrātrā raudreṇa pātitaḥ | rāmeṇa prahitair raudrair mārgaṇair dūra-pātibhiḥ ||

Translation

“If, for the sake of kingship, that brother has indeed been struck down by his own brother in wrath—by Rāma’s fierce, far-flying arrows—why do you run?”

Context

'If the (elder) brother is struck down by his (younger) brother in anger for the sake of kingship using far-reaching arrows discharged by Rama, why are you running?'

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Rāma
• Vāli (implied)
• Sugrīva (implied as the brother)
• arrows (mārgaṇa)

FAQs

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

The verse raises the dharmic tension between political ambition and familial bonds, while urging truthful facing of events rather than panic: fear must not replace clear judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā refers to Vāli’s fall—connected to the rivalry over rule and Rāma’s intervention—and challenges the monkeys’ flight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and moral clarity in turmoil—recognizing hard truths without surrendering to chaos.