Shloka 4.25.19

वालिनः और्ध्वदैहिकम् — Vali’s Funeral Rites and the Consolation of the Bereaved

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा तु सुग्रीवं सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनः।तसौ भ्रातृसमीपस्थो लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा4.25.19।।

Transliteration

na śokaparitāpena śreyasā yujyate mṛtaḥ | yad atrānantaraṃ kāryaṃ tat samādhātum arhatha || 4.25.2 ||

Translation

The dead do not attain well-being through grief and burning sorrow. Therefore, set in order and undertake now whatever duty must be done next.

Context

Having thus spoken to Sugriva, Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, slayer of enemies, stood by his brother

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva (implied context)
• Vāli (implied: 'the dead')

FAQs

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

Dharma requires composure and timely action: grief cannot change death, so one must perform the necessary duties (especially prescribed rites) without delay.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli has been slain, intense lamentation arises; the speaker urges that the next required actions—funeral preparations and rites—be properly organized.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical righteousness and steadiness (dhairya): the ability to move from emotion to duty in accordance with dharma.