Shloka 4.24.5

वालिवधोत्तरशोकः — Sugriva’s Remorse and Tara’s Lament after Vali’s Death

Devanagari script

अस्यां महिष्यां तु भृशं रुदन्त्यापुरे च विक्रोशति दुःखतप्ते।हतेऽग्रजे संशयितेऽङ्गदे चन राम राज्ये रमते मनो मे।।

Transliteration

asyāṃ mahiṣyāṃ tu bhṛśaṃ rudantyā pure ca vikrośati duḥkha-tapte |

hate 'graje saṃśayite 'ṅgade ca na rāma rājye ramate mano me ||

Translation

O Rāma, while this queen (Tārā) weeps bitterly and the city, scorched by grief, cries aloud; while my elder brother lies slain and Aṅgada’s fate is uncertain—my mind finds no delight in the kingdom.

Context

'O Rama! when the queen (Tara) is weeping, plunged in deep sorrow, the entire city is lamenting in agony, my elder brother is dead and the survival of Angada is uncertain, my mind no longer longs for the enjoyment of the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Tārā
• Vāli (elder brother, implied by ‘agraja’ slain)
• Aṅgada
• Kiṣkindhā (implied by ‘city’)

FAQs

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

A dharmic conscience recognizes the human cost of political gain: even rightful kingship becomes tasteless when obtained amid grief, instability, and the suffering of innocents.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli’s death, Sugrīva speaks to Rāma, describing the city’s mourning and his own inability to enjoy the throne.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s moral sensitivity and accountability—he does not celebrate victory but reflects on its tragic consequences.