Shloka 4.23.8

ताराविलापः (Tārā’s Lament over Vāli)

Devanagari script

शूराय न प्रदातव्या कन्या खलु विपश्चिता।शूरभार्यां हतां पश्य सद्यो मां विधवां कृताम्।।

Transliteration

śūrāya na pradātavyā kanyā khalu vipaścitā | śūra-bhāryāṃ hatāṃ paśya sadyo māṃ vidhavāṃ kṛtām ||

Translation

The wise indeed say a maiden should not be given to a warrior; behold me—the wife of a warrior—now struck down by fate, made a widow at once.

Context

'It is said by wise men that a girl should not be given in marriage to a warrior. See me, the wife of a warrior, now rendered a widow.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• Wise people (Vipaścit)

FAQs

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

It reflects on the social cost of warrior-dharma: martial life brings honor but also the ever-present risk of bereavement for dependents.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā voices the bitter truth of becoming a widow due to Vāli’s fall in battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse indirectly highlights the warrior’s readiness for battle, alongside the household’s vulnerability that follows.