Shloka 4.30.40

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

Devanagari script

त्यक्त्वा वराण्यात्मविभूषणानिबर्हाणि तीरोपगता नदीनाम्।निर्भर्त्स्यमाना इव सारसौघैःप्रयान्ति दीना विमदा मयूराः।।

Transliteration

tyaktvā varāṇy ātmavibhūṣaṇāni barhāṇi tīropagatā nadīnām | nirbhartsyamānā iva sārasaughaiḥ prayānti dīnā vimadā mayūrāḥ ||

Translation

Having cast off their splendid ornaments—their plumes—the peacocks wander along the riverbanks, spiritless and forlorn, as though reproached by flocks of sārasas.

Context

'The peacocks have shed their ornamental wear, their plumes. They are moving on the river banks miserably, devoid of high spirit as if they are being taunted by flocks of sarasa birds (who are high-spinted and cheerful).

Characters & Entities

• peacocks (mayūra)
• rivers (nadī)
• sārasa birds (sārasa)

FAQs

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

It evokes impermanence: pride and display fall away with time; Dharma encourages humility and steadiness rather than dependence on outward adornment.

What is the narrative situation?

Autumn changes the creatures’ behavior; peacocks lose their festive vigor and wander quietly by rivers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility (vinaya), taught through seasonal symbolism rather than direct character action.