Shloka 3.69.8

अयोमुखी-दर्शनम् तथा कबन्ध-प्रवेशः (Ayomukhi Encounter and the ظهور of Kabandha)

Devanagari script

ततः पूर्वेण तौ गत्वा त्रिक्रोशं भ्रातरौ तदा।क्रौञ्चारण्यमतिक्रम्य मतङ्गाश्रममन्तरा।।।।दृष्ट्वा तु तद्वनं घोरं बहुभीममृगद्विजम्।ननासत्त्वसमाकीर्णं सर्वं गहनपादपम्।।।।ददृशाते तु तौ तत्र दरीं दशरथात्मजौ।पातालसमगम्भीरां तमसा नित्यसंवृताम्।।।।

Transliteration

nātibhāro 'sti kālasya sarvabhūteṣu lakṣmaṇa || 3.69.49 ||

śūrāś ca balavantaś ca kṛtāstrāś ca raṇājire |

kālābhipannāḥ sīdanti yathā vālukasetavaḥ || 3.69.50 ||

Translation

This numbered form conveys the same teaching: Time bears down on all beings without strain; even the brave, the strong, and the weapon-skilled in battle collapse when overtaken by Time—like sand embankments that cannot hold.

Context

Then both the sons of Dasaratha, went further east, crossed the krauncha-forest after three krosas. They saw a dreadful forest which was full of fierce animals and birds near the hermitage of sage Matanga. It was densely covered with trees. They saw there a cave perpetually enveloped in darkness which was as deep as the netherworld.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Kala (Time)

FAQs

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

Humility before Kāla: dharma is strengthened when one accepts human limits and still chooses righteous conduct over bitterness or ego.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues addressing Lakṣmaṇa, interpreting their crisis through the universal dominance of Time.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śama (inner calm) guided by satya-bodha (truth-awareness): the mind is steadied by acknowledging a universal law.