Shloka 4.23.1

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

ततस्समुपजिघ्रन्ती कपिराजस्य तन्मुखम्।पतिं लोकाच्च्युतं तारा मृतं वचनमब्रवीत्।।

Transliteration

tataḥ samupajighrantī kapirājasya tan-mukham | patiṃ lokāc cyutaṃ tārā mṛtaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Then Tārā, smelling and kissing the face of the monkey-king—her husband fallen away from this world—spoke these words to the dead.

Context

Tara kissed (smelt) the forehead of the king of monkeys who had departed and said:

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli (Kapirāja)

FAQs

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

It highlights fidelity and the human duty of honoring the dead through final gestures of love and remembrance.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli’s death, Tārā approaches his body, kisses/smells his face, and begins her lament.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and loyalty—Tārā’s steadfast attachment and reverence for her husband.