Shloka 4.23.14

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

रेणुशोणितसंवीतं गात्रं तव समन्ततः।परिरब्धुं न शक्नोमि भुजाभ्यां प्लवगर्षभ ।।

Transliteration

svagātraprabhave vīra śeṣe rudhiramaṇḍale | krimirāgaparistome tvam ātmaśayane yathā ||

Translation

O hero, you lie in a pool of blood flowing from your own body—like one reclining upon a crimson bed as though it were your very couch.

Context

'O bull among monkeys! how can I embrace you with my arms as your body is covered with dust particles and blood?.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed through compassion and truth: Tārā speaks plainly about the reality of death, urging a sober recognition of the consequences of conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā beholds Vāli lying gravely wounded and describes his condition with a striking image of blood as a ‘bed’.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate honesty—Tārā’s grief does not distort truth; it expresses love while acknowledging reality.