Shloka 4.25.26

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

Devanagari script

ईदृशीं शिबिकां दृष्ट्वा रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।क्षिप्रं विनीयतां वाली प्रेतकार्यं विधीयताम्4.25.26।।

Transliteration

īdṛśīṃ śibikāṃ dṛṣṭvā rāmo lakṣmaṇamabravīt | kṣipraṃ vinīyatāṃ vālī pretakāryaṃ vidhīyatām ||

Translation

Seeing such a palanquin, Rama said to Lakshmana: “Quickly carry Vali out, and let the funeral rites be performed.”

Context

Seeing the palanquin, Rama said to Lakshmana 'Let the body of Vali be placed in the palanquin quickly and last rites duly performed'.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Vali
• Shibika

FAQs

What aspect of Dharma does Rama demonstrate in this verse?

Rama demonstrates the Dharma of post-mortem respect and the cessation of enmity upon death. By ordering royal funeral rites for Vali immediately, he upholds the dignity befitting a king and a warrior, showing that his actions were based on principle rather than personal malice.

Why is the mention of the 'Shibika' (palanquin) significant?

The specific mention of the royal palanquin indicates that Vali was to be accorded full state honors. It highlights Rama's adherence to proper conduct (Maryada) and his instruction ensures that the transition of power and the treatment of the fallen king follow the scriptures and royal tradition.