Shloka 4.25.49

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

Devanagari script

ततोऽग्निं विधिवद्दत्त्वा सोऽपसव्यं चकार ह।पितरं दीर्घमध्वानं प्रस्थितं व्याकुलेन्द्रियः4.25.49।।

Transliteration

tato 'gniṁ vidhivad dattvā so 'pasavyaṁ cakāra ha |

pitaraṁ dīrgham adhvānaṁ prasthitaṁ vyākulendriyaḥ || 4.25.49 ||

Translation

Then, having offered to the fire in the prescribed manner, he circumambulated the pyre keeping it to his left; his senses were distressed, as though for a father who had set forth on a long journey.

Context

Overwhelmed with sorrow, he offered fire to the father who had set out on a long journey (to heaven). As per tradition he went round the pyre ante-clock wise.

Characters & Entities

• Aṅgada (implied)
• Vāli (as father)
• agni (fire)
• citā (pyre)

FAQs

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

Ritual dharma: performing prescribed rites carefully honors the dead and stabilizes the living through orderly tradition.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada completes key cremation actions: offering fire and circumambulating the pyre in the customary manner.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and discipline—maintaining correct conduct even when the mind is shaken by loss.