Shloka 4.58.15

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

Devanagari script

तरुणी रूपसम्पन्ना सर्वाभरणभूषिता।ह्रियमाणा मया दृष्टा रावणेन दुरात्मना।।4.58.15।।क्रोशन्ती राम रामेति लक्ष्मणेति च भामिनी।भूषणान्यपविध्यन्ती गात्राणि च विधुन्वती।।4.58.16।।

Transliteration

rāmasya yad idaṃ kāryaṃ kartavyaṃ prathamaṃ mayā |

jarayā ca hṛtaṃ tejaḥ prāṇāś ca śithilā mama || 4.58.14 ||

Translation

This duty for Rāma should first be done by me; yet age has stolen my vigor, and my life-breath has grown slack.

Context

'I saw a young lady of beautiful appearance, adorned with all kinds of ornaments borne away by the evil-minded Ravana. That dainty lady was calling out, 'O Rama, O Lakshmana' and was crying aloud. She was throwing away her ornaments and waswriggling to get out of Ravana's grip.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sampāti

FAQs

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

Prioritizing duty while acknowledging limitations truthfully: dharma includes intention and effort, not mere physical capacity.

What is the narrative situation?

Sampāti expresses willingness to help Rāma but admits that old age prevents direct action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility with commitment: he claims responsibility without boasting and speaks honestly about weakness.