Shloka 4.20.5

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament over Vāli

Devanagari script

उत्तिष्ठ हरिशार्दूल भजस्व शयनोत्तमम्।नैवंविधाश्शेरते हि भूमौ नृपतिसत्तमाः4.20.5।।

Transliteration

uttiṣṭha hariśārdūla bhajasva śayanottamam | naivaṁvidhāḥ śerate hi bhūmau nṛpatisattamāḥ || 4.20.5 ||

Translation

Rise, O tiger among monkeys; take to the finest couch. Great kings like you do not lie upon the bare earth.

Context

'O tiger among monkeys! get up. Come and sleep on the best of beds. Best of kings, you should not lie on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

It reflects the dharmic ideal of honoring a ruler’s dignity (rājadharma) even in downfall—yet it also shows how grief clings to social roles when life has already departed.

What is the narrative situation?

In denial and sorrow, Tārā urges the fallen king Vāli to rise and rest properly, as if he were merely exhausted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect and reverence toward rightful status—Tārā continues to honor Vāli as king.