Shloka 1.17.21

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

Devanagari script

देवा महर्षिगन्धर्वास्तार्क्ष्या यक्षा यशस्विन:।नागा: किम्पुरुषाश्चैव सिद्धविद्याधरोरगा:।।1.17.20।। बहवो जनयामासुर्हृष्टास्तत्र सहस्रश:।वानरान्सुमहाकायान्सर्वान्वै वनचारिण:।।1.17.21।।अप्सरस्सु च मुख्यासु तथा विद्याधरीषु च।नागकन्यासु च तथा गन्धर्वीणां तनूषु च ।।1.17.22।।

Transliteration

kāmarūpabalopetā yathākāmaṁ vicāriṇaḥ |

siṁhaśārdūlasadṛśā darpeṇa ca balena ca ||

Translation

Endowed with strength and the power to assume forms at will, they roamed as they pleased; in pride and prowess they were like lions and tigers.

Context

The devatas, rishis, gandharvas, garudas, yakshas, kimpurushas, siddhas, vidyadharas, uragas and many others were immensely pleased. Thousands of gigantic monkeys wandering in forests were procreated from principal apsarasas vidhyadaris, nagas, and gandharvas.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras
• Siṁha (lion)
• Śārdūla (tiger)

FAQs

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

Extraordinary abilities become dharmic when oriented toward protection and right action; the epic prepares the ethical frame for power as service.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator describes the innate capacities of the newly generated Vānara hosts—shape-shifting, immense strength, and fearless bearing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (heroic vigor) and utsāha (energetic readiness), tempered by the implicit expectation that such power supports a righteous mission.