Shloka 4.23.28

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

या दत्ता देवराजेन तव तुष्टेन संयुगे।शातकुम्भमयीं मालां तां ते पश्यामि नेह किम्।।

Transliteration

yā dattā devarājena tava tuṣṭena saṃyuge | śātakumbhamayīṃ mālāṃ tāṃ te paśyāmi neha kim ||

Translation

Why do I not see here upon you that golden garland, given by the lord of the gods, pleased with you in battle?

Context

'Why do I not see on your chest the golden necklace gifted by the king of the gods (Indra), pleased with you in the battle?

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Indra (Devarāja)

FAQs

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

Worldly honors and divine gifts cannot prevent mortality; dharma encourages detachment and right action rather than reliance on power or ornaments.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā notices the absence of Vāli’s famed golden garland (associated with Indra’s favor) and laments the collapse of former glory.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clear-eyed realism—Tārā confronts impermanence and the limits of prestige.