Shloka 4.25.28

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

Devanagari script

आरोप्य शिबिकां चैव वालिनं गतजीवितम्।अलङ्कारैश्च विविधैर्माल्यैर्वस्त्रैश्च भूषितम्4.25.28।।

Transliteration

āropya śibikāṁ caiva vālinam gatajīvitam |

alaṅkāraiś ca vividhair mālyair vastraiś ca bhūṣitam || 4.25.28 ||

Translation

Vali, now lifeless, was placed upon a palanquin and adorned with varied ornaments, garlands, and garments.

Context

Vali's deadbody was placed on the palanquin, decorated with many ornaments, garlands and clothes;

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• śibikā (palanquin)
• ornaments (alaṅkāra)
• garlands (mālya)
• garments (vastra)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as honoring the dead with dignity—treating even a fallen ruler with due respect through proper preparation and ceremonial decorum.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli’s death, his body is ceremonially arranged on a palanquin and adorned for the ensuing funeral procession and rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Communal reverence and loyalty—Vāli is treated as a king even in death, reflecting respect for status, kinship, and social order.