Shloka 4.20.6

ताराविलापः — Tara’s Lament over Vāli

Devanagari script

अतीव खलु ते कान्ता वसुधा वसुधाधिप।गतासुरपि यां गात्रैर्मां विहाय निषेवसे4.20.6।।

Transliteration

atīva khalu te kāntā vasudhā vasudhādhipa | gatāsur api yāṁ gātrair māṁ vihāya niṣevase || 4.20.6 ||

Translation

O lord of the earth, the earth herself must have been dearer to you than I—for even now, bereft of life, you abandon me and cling to her with your limbs.

Context

'O lord of the earth! I know you loved the earth more than you loved me since you have forsaken me and enjoy her company by hugging her with your limbs, even after death.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Vasudhā (Earth)

FAQs

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

It points to the satya of separation: death breaks worldly bonds. Dharma reflection is detachment and acceptance—recognizing that the body returns to earth regardless of personal desire.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā, overwhelmed, interprets Vāli’s lifeless embrace of the ground as if he were choosing Earth over her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tārā’s depth of love and poetic perception, expressing grief through metaphor.