Shloka 4.23.29

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

राज्यश्रीर्न जहाति त्वां गतासुमपि मानद।सूर्यस्यावर्तमानस्य शैलराजमिव प्रभा।।

Transliteration

rājyaśrīr na jahāti tvāṃ gatāsum api mānada | sūryasyāvartamānasya śailarājam iva prabhā ||

Translation

O venerable one, even though life has left you, royal splendor does not abandon you—just as the sun’s radiance does not leave the lordly mountain at sunset.

Context

'O venerable one, even though life has departed from you, kingly glory does not leave you any more than the light of the setting son leaves the king of mountains. (western mountain)

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Sun (Sūrya)
• Śailarāja (king of mountains; western mountain imagery)

FAQs

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

Dignity can persist even in death; dharma honors the fallen with truth and respect, separating moral evaluation from mere insult or contempt.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā observes that Vāli’s kingly presence still appears undiminished even as he lies dying.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and fairness—Tārā acknowledges Vāli’s stature while grieving, maintaining respectful speech (satya with maryādā).