Shloka 4.58.1

सम्पातिवाक्यम् (Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तः करुणं वाक्यं वानरैस्त्यक्तजीवितैः।सबाष्पो वानरान्गृध्रः प्रत्युवाच महास्वनः।।4.58.1।।

Transliteration

ity uktaḥ karuṇaṃ vākyaṃ vānaraīs tyakta-jīvitaiḥ | sa-bāṣpo vānārān gṛdhraḥ pratyuvāca mahāsvanaḥ ||

Translation

Thus addressed with those pitiful words by the monkeys who had abandoned hope of life, the loud-voiced vulture replied to them with tears.

Context

On hearing the pathetic words from the monkeys who had given up hope of life, the loud-voiced vulture wailing replied:

Characters & Entities

• Sampāti (the vulture)
• Vānaras

FAQs

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

Compassionate response to suffering aligns with dharma; the verse frames dialogue as guided by empathy rather than exploitation.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing the despairing vānaras, Sampāti begins to respond, moved to tears.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Karunā (compassion) and truthful engagement with those in distress.