Shloka 4.23.17

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

उद्ववर्ह शरं नीलस्तस्य गात्रगतं तदा।गिरिगह्वरसंलीनं दीप्तमाशीविषं यथा।।

Transliteration

śareṇa hṛdi lagnena gātrasaṁsparśane tava | vāryāmi tvāṁ nirīkṣantī tvayi pañcatvam āgate ||

Translation

Because the arrow is lodged in your chest, I restrain myself from touching your limbs; I only look on, for once death has come upon you, there is no return.

Context

Then Nila took out the arrow from Vali's heart with due effort as one would pull out a glowing serpent hidden in the mountain cave.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as reverent restraint: in the face of death, one acts carefully and truthfully, recognizing bodily fragility and the finality of pañcatva.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā stands over Vāli, hesitating to touch or disturb him because the fatal arrow is embedded in his chest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and reverence—Tārā governs her grief-driven impulse to embrace, choosing careful restraint.