Shloka 4.25.40

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

Devanagari script

हा वानर महाराज हा नाथ मम वत्सल4.25.39।।हा महार्ह महाबाहो हा मम प्रिय पश्य माम्।जनं न पश्यसीमं त्वं कस्माच्छोकाभिपीडितम्।4.25.40।।

Transliteration

prahṛṣṭam iva te vaktraṃ gatāsor api mānada | āstārkasamavarṇaṃ ca lakṣyate jīvato yathā || 4.25.41 ||

Translation

O giver of honor, though life has departed, your face appears cheerful. It shines with the hue of the setting sun, just as it did when you were alive.

Context

'Why don't you look at me, oppressed with tears, O monkey king, O my venerable lord, O longarmed one, O my dear?

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli

FAQs

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

It points to satya: the body may retain beauty, yet life is gone—teaching detachment and truthfulness about impermanence.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā observes Vāli’s lifeless body and speaks to him, noting the paradox of a serene face despite death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentive love and honest perception—seeing reality without denial, even while grieving.