Shloka 4.25.24

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

Devanagari script

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।।

Transliteration

tato vālinam udyamya sugrīvaḥ śibikāṃ tadā | āropayata vikrośan aṅgadena sahaiva tu || 4.25.27 ||

Translation

Then Sugrīva, weeping aloud, lifted Vāli and placed him upon the palanquin, together with Aṅgada.

Context

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.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Vāli
• Aṅgada
• Śibikā (palanquin)

FAQs

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

Dharma permits grief yet directs it toward rightful action: Sugrīva mourns, but still performs the necessary duty toward the departed.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva and Aṅgada physically carry and place Vāli’s body onto the palanquin to proceed with the funeral rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Familial responsibility and compassion: despite conflict and loss, they honor Vāli through proper handling and rites.