Shloka 4.23.16

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

शरेण हृदि लग्नेन गात्रसंस्पर्शने तव।वार्यामि त्वां निरीक्षन्ती त्वयि पञ्चत्वमागते।।

Transliteration

kṛtakṛtyo 'dya sugrīvo vaire 'sminn atidāruṇe | yasya rāmavimuktena hṛtam ekeṣuṇā bhayam ||

Translation

Today Sugrīva has fulfilled his purpose in this most dreadful enmity: by a single arrow released by Rāma, his fear has been taken away.

Context

'The arrow which has pierced your body prevents me from embracing you. I am only looking at you lying (not removing the arrow lest you die).'

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Sugrīva
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse warns that political aims achieved through deadly enmity still carry moral weight; it invites reflection on righteous means (dharma) versus mere success.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā, grieving, recognizes that Sugrīva’s long-standing fear of Vāli has ended because Rāma’s single arrow has struck Vāli down.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clear-sighted truthfulness—Tārā articulates the strategic reality even while mourning, showing intellectual honesty amid sorrow.