Shloka 4.23.3

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

मत्तः प्रियतरा नूनं वानरेन्द्र मही तव।शेषे हि तां परिष्वज्य मां च न प्रतिभाषसे।।

Transliteration

mattaḥ priyatarā nūnaṃ vānarendra mahī tava | śeṣe hi tāṃ pariṣvajya māṃ ca na pratibhāṣase ||

Translation

O lord of monkeys, surely the earth is dearer to you than I am—since in your last moments you embrace her, and you do not answer me.

Context

'O lord of monkeys! you lie in the end, embracing the earth and not replying to me.Surely you deem this earth dearer than me.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Earth (Mahī)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the human cost of attachment and conflict: when life ends, relationships and duties are left in silence, urging one to prioritize righteous living while time remains.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā, overwhelmed by Vāli’s impending death, speaks as if reproaching him for clinging to the earth while not responding to her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthful expression of grief—Tārā speaks candidly (satya) from sorrow, revealing the depth of marital bond.