Shloka 4.20.1

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament over Vāli

Devanagari script

रामचापविसृष्टेन शरेणान्तकरेण तम्।दृष्ट्वा विनिहतं भूमौ तारा ताराधिपानना4.20.1।।सा समासाद्य भर्तारं पर्यष्वजत भामिनी।

Transliteration

rāmacāpavisṛṣṭena śareṇāntakareṇa tam | dṛṣṭvā vinihataṃ bhūmau tārā tārādhipānanā || sā samāsādya bhartāraṃ paryaṣvajata bhāminī ||

Translation

Seeing her husband lying slain upon the ground by the death-dealing arrow released from Rāma’s bow, Tārā—moon-faced and radiant—went to him and embraced her lord.

Context

Beholding her husband lying on the ground pierced by a death-dealing arrow released by Rama, the lovely moon-faced Tara went and embraced him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bow of Rāma
• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

The verse frames a moment where dharma and its costs are felt personally: even when actions are taken under a claimed righteous duty, their human consequence—bereavement—remains real and demands compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli is struck down by Rāma’s arrow, Tārā comes, sees his body on the ground, and embraces him in grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tārā’s devoted spousal love and courage to face loss directly.