Shloka 4.25.23
वालिनः और्ध्वदैहिकम् — Vali’s Funeral Rites and the Consolation of the Bereaved
दिव्यां भद्रासनयुतां शिबिकां स्यन्दनोपमाम्।पक्षिकर्मभिराचित्रां द्रुमकर्मविभूषिताम्4.25.22।।आचितां चित्रपत्तीभि स्सुनिविष्टां समन्ततः।विमानमिव सिद्धानां जालवातायनान्विताम्4.25.23।।सुनियुक्तां विशालां च सुकृतां विश्वकर्मणा।दारुपर्वतकोपेतां चारुकर्मपरिष्कृताम्4.25.24।।वराभरणहारैश्च चित्रमाल्योपशोभिताम्।गुहागहनसञ्छन्नां रक्तचन्दनभूषिताम्4.25.25।।पुष्पौघैस्समभिच्छन्नां पद्ममालाभिरेव च।तरुणादित्यवर्णाभिर्भ्राजमानाभिरावृताम्4.25.26।।
īdṛśīṃ śibikāṃ dṛṣṭvā rāmo lakṣmaṇam abravīt | kṣipraṃ vinīyatāṃ vālī pretakāryaṃ vidhīyatām || 4.25.26 ||
Seeing such a palanquin, Rāma said to Lakṣmaṇa: “Carry Vāli at once, and duly perform the rites for the departed.”
A swiftmoving, marvellous palanquin designed by Viswakarma was brought. Covered with colourful pictures of birds and trees on every side it looking like an aerial chariot fit for saints. Fitted with a splendid seat grilled windows, artificially made small caverns and grottos of wood was embellished with carvings of mountains, choice ornaments and garlands. With red sandal paste, red scented flowers and red lotus garlands, it resembled the rising Sun.
Even an adversary must receive proper last rites; dharma mandates timely funerary duties to uphold moral and social order.
After the palanquin is brought, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to proceed immediately with carrying Vāli and performing the funeral rites.
Rāma’s maryādā (propriety) and impartial righteousness: he insists on correct rites, not vengeance or neglect.