Shloka 4.20.3

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament over Vāli

Devanagari script

इषुणाऽभिहतं दृष्ट्वा वालिनं कुञ्जरोपमम्4.20.2।।वानरेन्द्र महेन्द्राभं शोकसन्तप्तमानसा।तारा तरुमिवोन्मूलं पर्यदेवयदातुरा4.20.3।।

Transliteration

vānarendra mahendrābhaṁ śokasantaptamānasā | tārā tarum ivonmūlaṁ paryadevayad āturā || 4.20.3 ||

Translation

Seeing Vāli, lord of the monkeys, radiant like a great mountain, felled like an uprooted tree, Tārā—her mind scorched by grief—became distraught and wailed aloud.

Context

Beholding Vali, the lord of monkeys, who was strong as an elephant, splendid as a mountain, fallen down like an uprooted tree, struck by the arrow, Tara became restless and wailed bitterly:

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

It underscores an itihāsa lesson on anityatā: even the mightiest fall. Dharma-oriented reflection arises from recognizing impermanence and responding with steadiness rather than collapse.

What is the narrative situation?

Immediately after Vāli is struck down, Tārā sees his fallen body and begins lamenting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tārā’s sincerity of love and emotional truthfulness (satya of feeling) are foregrounded, even as grief overwhelms her.