Shloka 4.30.28

शरत्प्रवेशे रामविलापः तथा सुग्रीवप्रमादे लक्ष्मणप्रेषणम् (Autumn’s Onset: Rama’s Lament and Lakshmana Sent to Sugriva)

Devanagari script

शाखासु सप्तच्छदपादपानांप्रभासु तारार्कनिशाकराणाम्।लीलासु चैवोत्तम वारणानांश्रियं विभज्याद्य शरत्प्रवृत्ता।।

Transliteration

śākhāsu saptacchada-pādapānāṃ

prabhāsu tārārka-niśākarāṇām |

līlāsu caivottama-vāraṇānāṃ

śriyaṃ vibhajya adya śarat pravṛttā ||

Translation

Now autumn has begun, distributing its beauty—upon the branches of the saptacchada trees, in the radiance of stars, sun, and moon, and in the playful movements of noble elephants.

Context

'The autumn has set in, manifesting its grace on the branches of saptachada trees(seven-leafed banana plant) through the radiance of stars, Sun and Moon and through the sports of excellent elephants.

Characters & Entities

• autumn (śarat)
• saptacchada trees
• stars (tārā)
• sun (arka/sūrya)
• moon (niśākara)
• elephants (vāraṇa)

FAQs

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

Ṛtu-dharma (the orderly course of seasons) mirrors moral order: as nature proceeds in due rhythm, humans too must uphold timely commitments and righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma marks the clear onset of autumn through celestial brightness and animal behaviour, underlining that the monsoon delay is over.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast awareness (apramāda): noticing time’s turning and refusing to be lulled into inaction.