Shloka 4.55.16

अङ्गदस्य प्रायोपवेशननिश्चयः (Angada’s Resolve to Fast unto Death)

Devanagari script

एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं वृद्धांस्तानभिवाद्य च।।।।विवेश चाङ्गदो भूमौ रुदन्दर्भेषु दुर्मनाः।

Transliteration

etāvad uktvā vacanaṃ vṛddhāṃs tān abhivādya ca |

viveśa cāṅgado bhūmau rudan darbheṣu durmanāḥ ||

Translation

Having said only so much and saluted those elders, Angada, downcast at heart, began to weep; he spread darbha grass and lay upon the ground in sorrow.

Context

Having expresed so much of his feelings, disheartened Angada saluted the elderly monkeys and started crying. Then he spread the darbha grass and lay down on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Angada
• Vānaras (elders implied)
• Darbha (kuśa) grass

FAQs

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

Even at the edge of renunciation, dharma as respect for elders and ritual propriety is maintained—salutation and the traditional darbha-seat signal a solemn, rule-bound act.

What is the narrative situation?

Angada physically begins the act associated with fasting unto death: preparing a darbha grass bed and lying down, while grieving.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence (guru-vandana) and seriousness of resolve, expressed through formal conduct.