Shloka 1.17.17

सप्तदशः सर्गः — देवसंवादः तथा वानर-ऋक्ष-उत्पत्तिः (Divine Council and the Generation of Vanara Allies)

Devanagari script

मेरुमन्दरसङ्काशा वपुष्मन्तो महाबला:।ऋक्षवानरगोपुच्छा: क्षिप्रमेवाभिजज्ञिरे।।।।

Transliteration

meru-mandara-saṅkāśā vapuṣmanto mahābalāḥ | ṛkṣa-vānara-go-pucchāḥ kṣipram evābhijajñire ||

Translation

Mighty beings swiftly came into existence—bodied like Meru and Mandara—of great strength: bears, monkeys, and those with cow-like tails.

Context

Endowed with bodies similar to the Meru and Mandara mountains and having great strength, bears, monkeys, monkeys with cow-tails quickly came into being.

Characters & Entities

• Meru
• Mandara
• Ṛkṣas (bears)
• Vānaras (monkeys)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld by timely support: when evil grows vast, providential strength arises swiftly to restore balance.

What is the narrative situation?

The poem describes the rapid manifestation of powerful allied beings (bears and monkeys) with immense physiques.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective might and readiness—strength mobilized for a righteous objective.