Shloka 3.35.29

मारीचाश्रमगमनम् (Ravana’s Journey to Maricha’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

तस्य तां सहसा शाखां भारेण पतगोत्तमः।।।।सुपर्णः पर्णबहुलां बभञ्ज च महाबलः।

Transliteration

tasya tāṃ sahasā śākhāṃ bhāreṇa patagottamaḥ | suparṇaḥ parṇabahulāṃ babhañja ca mahābalaḥ ||

Translation

Under the sheer weight of the best of birds—mighty Suparṇa (Garuḍa)—that leaf-laden branch suddenly snapped.

Context

Due to the weight of this best of birds, the mighty Garuda, the leafy branch at once broke down.

Characters & Entities

• Suparṇa (Garuḍa)

FAQs

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

Power and capability must be governed by awareness of consequences; even a great being’s mere ‘weight’ can cause harm, foreshadowing the need to use strength responsibly.

What is the narrative situation?

In the recalled Garuḍa episode, Garuḍa lands on a heavily-leaved branch, which breaks under his weight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Garuḍa’s extraordinary strength (bala), which later becomes meaningful when directed toward compassionate action.