Shloka 4.20.10

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament over Vāli

Devanagari script

हृदयं सुस्थिरं मह्यं दृष्ट्वा विनिहतं पतिम्।यन्न शोकाभिसन्तप्तं स्फुटतेऽद्य सहस्रधा4.20.10।।

Transliteration

hṛdayaṃ susthiraṃ mahyaṃ dṛṣṭvā vinihataṃ patim | yan na śokābhisantaptaṃ sphuṭate 'dya sahasradhā ||

Translation

My heart must be made of iron—for though scorched by grief, it has not shattered into a thousand pieces even on seeing my husband slain.

Context

'I presume my heart is strong, for it has not broken into a thousand pieces, even though I am overwhelmed with grief to see my husband fallen on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Satya in grief: Tārā speaks the unvarnished truth of suffering, reminding listeners that dharma is not abstract—it must reckon with the real pain caused by violence and loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā mourns over Vāli’s body, astonished that her heart still endures despite overwhelming sorrow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Emotional honesty and steadfast endurance in bereavement.