किष्किन्धा ह्यद्य शून्याऽसीत्स्वर्गते वानराधिपे।उद्यानानि च शून्यानि पर्वताः काननानि च।।हते प्लवगशार्दूले निष्प्रभा वानराः कृताः।
kiṣkindhā hy adya śūnyā ’sīt svargate vānarādhipe | udyānāni ca śūnyāni parvatāḥ kānanāni ca || hate plavaga-śārdūle niṣprabhā vānarāḥ kṛtāḥ |
Ngayon ang Kiṣkindhā ay naging tiwangwang, sapagkat ang hari ng mga Vānara ay pumanaw na at nagtungo sa langit. Walang laman ang mga hardin, gayundin ang mga bundok at mga gubat; nang mapatay ang tigre sa mga unggoy, ang mga Vānara ay nanghina at nawalan ng ningning.
Lord of monkeys having gone to heaven, Kishkinda looked desolate including the pleasure gardens, the mountains and forests. The monkeys also became dull.
The verse highlights rāja-dharma’s social dimension: a ruler’s presence stabilizes the realm, and his fall impacts not only politics but collective morale—reminding that power must be exercised responsibly because many depend upon it.
The Vānaras describe how Kiṣkindhā and its environs feel emptied and joyless after Vāli’s death.
Protective kingship (rakṣaṇa) is remembered as Vāli’s defining trait from the people’s perspective, even as they grieve his loss.