Shloka 4.25.42

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

Devanagari script

एष त्वां रामरूपेण कालः कर्षति वानर।येन स्म विधवास्सर्वाः कृता एकेषुणा वने4.25.42।।

Transliteration

imās tās tava rājendra vānaryo vallabhāḥ sadā | pādair vikṛṣṭam adhvānam āgatāḥ kiṃ na budhyase || 4.25.43 ||

Translation

O King of Kings, these she-monkeys, ever dear to you, have arrived having walked the path on foot. Why do you not awaken to greet them?

Context

'O monkey! a single arrow from Rama who appeared in the forest in the form of death dragged you away from us and turned us all into widows.

Characters & Entities

• Tārā
• Vāli
• vānaryaḥ (female monkeys / wives)

FAQs

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

It highlights relational dharma: a ruler’s life affects dependents; their suffering reveals the ethical weight of kingship and household responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Tārā draws attention to Vāli’s wives who have come a long distance to see him, but he lies unresponsive.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and advocacy—Tārā speaks on behalf of the widows and the community of dependents.